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
Over the years, the actress has come to understand just how influential her mother really is.
—
Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Another influential tool is humor.
—Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Davies can be just as influential as Musiala.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Bowie is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time and one of the industry’s most successful, with record sales estimated at over 100 million worldwide.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for influential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential
Adjective
-
Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.—
-
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.—
Adjective
-
Indescribable, illogical, and oh-so powerful belief.—
-
Hellyer however noted that for now Iran’s powerful security establishment remains intact.—
Adjective
-
The new California law or Assembly Bill 1830 requires most tortillas and corn masa products sold to contain folic acid, a vitamin important to infant health, according to CalMatters.—
-
Not only is the actual lighting itself important for completing tasks and creating ambiance, but the fixtures also double as decor.—
Adjective
-
Credit card interest rates represent a significant portion of financial institutions’ revenue.—
-
That figure marks a significant drop from a recent peak attained in 2023, but borrowing costs remain well above a 0% rate established at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Adjective
-
That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
-
Eighty years later, Adolph’s conclusions about the impossibility of adapting to dehydration are still the dominant view.—
Adjective
-
Also at tight end, Jackson Verdugo, who had a strong freshman season, is due back, and FIU signed incoming freshmen Davis Brown and Ayden Passley.—
-
Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger — strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story.—
Cite this Entry
“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share