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
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The question of whether a homegrown act with a major K-pop influence can cross over, and truly take root, in the notoriously discerning British mainstream is more complex.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
After all, the broadcast networks and other outlets have largely been influenced by Netflix’s willingness to pick up shows directly.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
The second is to ensure that the facts surrounding John O’Keefe’s death are fully fairly aired in the courtroom without outside influence.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025
The question of whether a homegrown act with a major K-pop influence can cross over, and truly take root, in the notoriously discerning British mainstream is more complex.
—Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
Perhaps most directly influenced by the novelist was Fielding, whose novel Bridget Jones’s Diary is a retelling of Austen’s seminal 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
After all, the broadcast networks and other outlets have largely been influenced by Netflix’s willingness to pick up shows directly.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Nigel Slater’s paean to the likes of St. John and the River Café, places that still hold sway today.—
Amiel Stanek,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Apr. 2025
-
At that point, rather than consulting someone who obsesses over how caffeine focuses us by blocking adenosine receptors in the basal forebrain, philosophers should hold sway.—
Jessica Riskin,
The New York Review of Books,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For decades, ever since the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA went into effect in the early 1990s, the automakers have operated as if the United States, Mexico and Canada are a single country.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
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In China's case, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN the 34% reciprocal tariff that was announced is in addition to a 20% tariff on Chinese goods that is already in effect.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Wang and his crew will conduct 22 research experiments centered on how spaceflight and microgravity affect the human body that will provide insights for future long-duration missions deep into the cosmos.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
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A lot of Maryland residents who enjoy their summer at the ocean might be oblivious to how this change might affect their upcoming vacations.—
Gretchen Holland,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Your consultants will highlight such risks to PE firms, providing leverage in negotiations and ensuring compliance post-acquisition.—
David Van Ronk,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Federal District Judge Dale E. Ho last week dismissed the charges against Mr. Adams with prejudice, meaning prosecutors can no longer revisit them, reducing the administration’s leverage to force the mayor to do its bidding.—
Jeffery C. Mays,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Being aware and speaking to these issues demonstrates your ability to see the big picture and an intention to make an impact beyond your role.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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And, look, in terms of how this ties back then to that uncertainty in the economy, that could have an impact worth watching too.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Doctors are perpetually recommending Birkenstocks for foot issues, and they’re reportedly impressed by the quality of these alternatives, too.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Apr. 2025
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Jaxson Dart impressed scouts at his pro day and may have done enough to pull a Bo Nix and sneak into the first round.—
Fox News Staff,
FOXNews.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There’s practically nothing that his Catholic foes, still smarting at the Church of England’s rejection of papal authority, won’t believe about the man who helped engineer the schism so that Henry (Damian Lewis) could divorce his first wife as part of his ongoing quest to beget a male heir.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2025
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Margarita Avila, a landscaper, is currently in the custody of federal immigration authorities.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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