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influence

[in-floo-uhns] / ˈɪn flu əns /




Usage

What are other ways to say influence? Influence is a personal and unofficial power derived from deference of others to one's character, ability, or station; it may be exerted unconsciously or may operate through persuasion: to have influence over one's friends. Authority is a power or right, usually because of rank or office, to issue commands and to punish for violations: to have authority over subordinates. Control is either power or influence applied to the complete and successful direction or manipulation of persons or things: to be in control of a project. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His book, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, published in 1890, found disciples in Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the Japanese imperial naval ministry, and shaped 20th-century history.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Instead of learning “The Art of the Deal,” he should have studied “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

US actress who was nominated for an Oscar for 1974's A Woman Under the Influence and 1980's Gloria.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2024

Guest: Emily Tamkin, global affairs journalist and the author of The Influence of Soros and Bad Jews.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2024

I remembered the book we were reading aloud by bicycle lamp, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom




Vocabulary lists containing influence


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