1
as in sway
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
a mayor who doesn't hesitate to use her influence to get business leaders behind civic improvements
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in effect
the power to bring about a result on another
the basic premise of astrology is that the position of the stars has an influence on human affairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to affect
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response
the news reports of the devastating flood influenced a great many people to make contributions for food and supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of influence
Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
But there are people who are not Senate-confirmed who do have an influence on policy.
—James L. Perry, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
This is the type of message testing strategic polling firms like mine employ to understand which messages are effective and the ways in which a final election result may look different from the first poll that is heavily influenced by name identification.
—Michael Bocian, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Along with her pal Nicole Richie, Hilton had a huge influence on early 2000s fashion, with The Simple Life star regularly snapped wearing iconic aughts pieces including Von Dutch hats, low-rise jeans and Moon Boots.
—Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
But there are people who are not Senate-confirmed who do have an influence on policy.
—James L. Perry, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
Matar's trial drew widespread attention, with some suggesting the severity of the charges was influenced by Rushdie's notoriety.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
This is the type of message testing strategic polling firms like mine employ to understand which messages are effective and the ways in which a final election result may look different from the first poll that is heavily influenced by name identification.
—Michael Bocian, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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More evidence that Porsche is a rare car company in which the engineers have tremendous sway?—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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If Adams’ dismissal motion were to succeed, the Justice Department would theoretically have no sway over him.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Vetters says recent research suggests that testosterone may not permanently impair fertility, and at least some transgender men have been to get pregnant after stopping hormone therapy, though the effects are still unclear.—
Tyler Santora,
Scientific American,
25 Feb. 2025
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Of those, living with a partner, being employed, and being financially comfortable had the greatest effect on extending lifespan.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
TIME,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The tax relief applies to individuals and businesses in southern California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds that began Jan. 7.—
Susan Tompor,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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This decision will jeopardize our national security and significantly affect and damage the economies of numerous communities nationwide.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Although preoccupied with its war of choice in Ukraine, now in its fourth year, Moscow is simultaneously making a major play to expand political leverage on the continent.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Building Local Partnerships Collaborating with local players can accelerate brand recognition and credibility and leverage established local distribution channels.—
Praneeta Pujari,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Park advocates and fired employees have been predicting those impacts for weeks, but a string of social media posts from park managers made after the Feb. 14 cuts appear to be the first formal acknowledgements.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
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His huge figure — heavy set and a towering 6-foot-3 — only accentuated the impact of his outlandish looks.—
Tom Faber,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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If the secret aim of Train to Busan was to leave a calling card, this will certainly impress backers with bigger budgets.—
Mia Galuppo,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Feb. 2025
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The versatile actor impressed critics with a wide range of roles, expertly embodying a New York City detective in one film and Superman's most iconic adversary in the next.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Bridgewater Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Bureau is investigating the crash with Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, authorities said.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
22 Feb. 2025
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His younger sisters, ages 12 and 13, were too afraid to ever leave — as was the boy — because their mother had instructed them to never answer the door or go outside, authorities said.—
Gina Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.
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