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
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 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
-
Still, McGrath and the others are noticing more of a shift away from physical discipline and the tide turning toward authoritative parenting–which McGrath views as a positive development of newer generations opting to base their parenting styles on research rather than tradition.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
15 Jan. 2025
-
In under 20 words, Grisham establishes an authoritative voice, introduces the narrator, and hints at conflict between father and son, sparking curiosity.—
G Kirilloff,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
So, in the interest of focusing on leisure rather than work, today’s deal is a powerful gaming rig that punches way above its weight with a $200 discount.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PCMAG,
22 Jan. 2025
-
The most powerful country in the world versus the most vulnerable people in the world.—
Letters to the editor,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In this paper, the researchers did not calculate how strong those differences are, but an important next step is to explore the observational consequences of this model.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
19 Jan. 2025
-
This year, with the Vancouver Canucks’ star forwards Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller are underperforming and goalie Thatcher Demko missing the first 24 games of the season with a knee injury, captain Quinn Hughes has become more important to his team than ever.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes,
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
-
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
-
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
Thesaurus Entries Near influential
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share