INFLUENCE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'influence' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of influence are authority , credit , prestige , and weight . While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously. // used her influence to get the bill passed

Q: When can 'authority' be used instead of 'influence'?

While in some cases nearly identical to influence , authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief. // his opinions lacked authority

Q: When might 'credit' be a better fit than 'influence'?

The words credit and influence can be used in similar contexts, but credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others. // his credit with the press

Q: Where would 'prestige' be a reasonable alternative to 'influence'?

The synonyms prestige and influence are sometimes interchangeable, but prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority. // the prestige of the newspaper

Q: When could 'weight' be used to replace 'influence'?

In some situations, the words weight and influence are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices. // their wishes obviously carried much weight

influence 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s

Definition of influence next

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

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

influence

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word influence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of influence are authority, credit, prestige, and weight. While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

When can authority be used instead of influence?

While in some cases nearly identical to influence, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When might credit be a better fit than influence?

The words credit and influence can be used in similar contexts, but credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would prestige be a reasonable alternative to influence?

The synonyms prestige and influence are sometimes interchangeable, but prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When could weight be used to replace influence?

In some situations, the words weight and influence are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of influence

Noun

The study quantified the influence of climate change by analyzing potential intensity—a calculation that determines the maximum possible speed of storms under specific environmental conditions. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 Trump allies Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and others are weighing in on the critical vote for the next Senate Republican leader, serving as a potent reminder that every major decision is ripe for influence in Trump’s Washington. —

David Jackson, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Verb

Over at Ancestral, open-flame cooking techniques influence the menu, and La Paz’s favorite late-night street food, anticucho (a beef-heart skewer), inspires its emblematic entrée: a pommes soufflée filled with chili, peanuts, and heart ham. —

Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2024 Cortisol plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress, influencing various physiological functions, including metabolism, immune response and mood regulation. —

Samantha Conti, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for influence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence

Noun

But in 2024, the state's 17 electoral college votes don't hold the same sway.

Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024
The absence of any significant, widespread problems has not stopped Trump, the Republican nominee, or the RNC, which is now under his sway, from making numerous claims of fraud or election interference during the early voting period, a possible prelude to challenges after Election Day.

Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024