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
Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
The second main driver behind the trend is social media influence.
—Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The contrast between these settings reshaped his worldview and deepened his interest in how international education influences personal development and an individual’s access to opportunity.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influence
Noun
Machado's influence led to her transition into politics, and in 2010, she was elected to the Venezuelan National Assembly.
—Verb
The Tribune repeats his charge that AIPAC influenced local Orthodox rabbis to pressure Leon to drop out of the race.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
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Showing little propulsive momentum at the index level and under the sway of wide dispersion among stocks and sectors, this churning phase has left investor positioning and attitudes shy of dangerous extremes.—
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But Venezuela became a founding member of OPEC in 1960, along with Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, giving Venezuela more sway in global affairs and more power to wield over the companies that did business in its state.—
Noun
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The existing program was implemented in 2024 and is in effect for two years.—
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As well as testing the various systems on board, the crew will be test subjects themselves, helping Nasa understand the effects that space travel has on their cognition, sleep, stress, immune responses and cardiovascular health.—
Verb
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
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But law enforcement experts told CNN the dragging incident last summer could have affected his decision-making – though how such an experience impacts law enforcement varies from officer to officer.—
Noun
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The United States certainly has plenty of leverage to press Caracas to free the handful of Americans that remain in its custody — such as 28-year-old James Luckey-Lange, who was taken after entering the country in December.—
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These agreements require deep expertise in risk allocation, finance and long-term contract enforcement, areas where private developers often have far greater resources and leverage than municipalities.—
Noun
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Ittaps into themes of toxic masculinity and unveils the impact social media has on young people.—
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The impact Each missed opportunity to add or retain a star has saved the Red Sox countless millions.—
Verb
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The events for the most part are casual, though Nimrod says some do come dressed to impress depending on the occasion.—
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Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw have also impressed playing in a central three.—
Noun
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Please consult your local burn permitting authorities as to whether burning is allowed.—
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The project has yielded some certainties and if repeated will allow the analysis of changes that eventually will help authorities make better decisions when eruptions occur.—
Cite this Entry
“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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