as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
lacking much of the leverage it once had, the union is now being forced to make some concessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to use
to take unfair advantage of
a reality show contestant who's trying to leverage her 15 minutes of fame
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of leverage
Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
This creates enormous leverage for attackers who know healthcare organizations are more likely to pay ransoms.
—Jim McGann, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2025
Europe has jostled hard to maintain relevance in U.S.-brokered peace talks over Ukraine, looking on with nervousness at the apparent reluctance of the current administration to punish Russia or leverage significant concessions from Moscow despite its threats to do so.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leverage
Noun
Iran and its ally Russia, which have welcomed the peace deal signed at the White House last week, worry that the transit route could shift regional influence, reduce their leverage and give the U.S. and Azerbaijan greater control over strategic transport and trade routes.
—Amira El-Fekki, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
This creates enormous leverage for attackers who know healthcare organizations are more likely to pay ransoms.
—Jim McGann, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
In recent years, Wilson leveraged her style with collaborations and partnerships with various high-profile brands, including Kendra Scott and Wrangler.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2025
Europe has jostled hard to maintain relevance in U.S.-brokered peace talks over Ukraine, looking on with nervousness at the apparent reluctance of the current administration to punish Russia or leverage significant concessions from Moscow despite its threats to do so.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leverage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leverage
Noun
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The effort to remove Cook comes as the administration has unleashed a campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion, and intensifies Trump's ongoing effort to gain influence over the U.S. central bank and push it to lower interest rates.—
Ann Saphir,
Freep.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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India and China are locked in a fierce battle for influence across the Asia-Pacific.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
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The fire department’s water rescue team immediately started rescue efforts and police used a drone to help with the search, officials said.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Although New Yorkers have heavily leaned Democratic in most local and statewide elections, Republicans have gained traction with the help of a strong base combined with more political sway from independent voters.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
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Traditional models of persuasion designed to push, nudge, or steer don't hold as much sway in a world where the consumer is often one step ahead.—
Teja Chekuri,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Phishing, malware and misinformation relentlessly exploit weak points in online systems.—
Akram Atallah,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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During the leak, former and current customers' information was exploited, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and more personal details.—
Shelby Slade,
AZCentral.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Gerrymandering is when politicians manipulate district lines, dividing or grouping populations, to get an advantage.—
Larry Kaplow,
NPR,
18 Aug. 2025
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This included reporting that the company manipulated vote counts, is owned by a company founded in Venezuela to rig elections for Hugo Chavez, is paid kickbacks to government officials who used its machines in swing states and was involved in voting irregularities in Texas in 2018.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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He has never been accused of wrongdoing by any of the women who say Epstein abused them.—
Jenna Sundel
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
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Her story was part of Key Biscayne’s Dark Secret, a Herald investigation published last year that revealed her story and those of two other girls who also said they were abused.—
Ana Claudia Chacin,
Miami Herald,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Leverage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leverage. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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