1
as in authoritative
having power over the minds or behavior of others
in light of the effect that they have had, religious leaders such as Jesus and Muḥammad must be regarded as among the most influential people ever
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence
a particularly influential politician got the team a new ballpark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 influential
The event is known for gathering the world’s most influential leaders in business and politics.
—
Ryan Browne, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Trump also now enjoys the support of powerful tech executives who are expected to have an influential voice in his administration.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
All these years later, through prosperity and tragedy and a rebirth with the Chiefs, Reid has become what might be considered a coaching version of Picasso — one of the most influential and successful forces ever at their craft.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
But the idea that the show’s blandly macho host would become one of the most influential figures in American life would have seemed as ridiculous as, well, Donald Trump getting elected president.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for influential 
Ryan Browne, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025
Trump also now enjoys the support of powerful tech executives who are expected to have an influential voice in his administration.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
All these years later, through prosperity and tragedy and a rebirth with the Chiefs, Reid has become what might be considered a coaching version of Picasso — one of the most influential and successful forces ever at their craft.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
But the idea that the show’s blandly macho host would become one of the most influential figures in American life would have seemed as ridiculous as, well, Donald Trump getting elected president.
—Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
Adjective
-
Modern viewers have short-attention spans and the ones who still watch broadcast TV still gravitate to an authoritative solo figure who talks to them about politics, natural disasters, overseas drama and even popular culture.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2025
-
But this information is not revealed through title cards or authoritative talking heads.—
Esther Zuckerman,
IndieWire,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
His position once again puts him in charge of the world’s most powerful military, which -- often at his discretion -- can either engage in lethal warfare or act as a deterrent and a force for peace.—
Ian Pannell,
ABC News,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Stargate’s announcement led to a rare moment of disharmony between Trump and his most powerful political cheerleader, Elon Musk.—
Billy Perrigo,
TIME,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Mark Nuttall: China Cooperation Is Part of Greenland's Broader Ambitions China is an important market for Greenland's seafood exports, particularly shrimp and halibut, which are critical for Greenland's economy.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
-
And so the low-hanging fruit is to focus on those last few plays, which, yeah, are important.—
Jay King,
The Athletic,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
And the price tag — not his abilities — has prevented LaVine from being moved despite significant interest from both the Bulls and LaVine over the past year.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Meta is holding a Fresh Start sale to kick off the year 2025 in style, and is offering some Meta Quest 3, 3S and Quest 2 titles at a significant discount as part of it.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But will dominant streamer Netflix break its Best Picture losing streak?—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
23 Jan. 2025
-
If Gere, playing the same character in old age, weren’t such a dominant and charismatic presence, Elordi would be the movie’s lead.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.—
Elliot Hughes,
Journal Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2023
-
This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Thesaurus Entries Near influential
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share