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Showing results for influence.
Definitions

influence

[in-floo-uhns] / ˈɪn flu əns /
NOUN
power, authority
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clout consequence control domination effect force impact importance leadership leverage money pressure prestige repercussion reputation significance weight
STRONG
access agency ascendancy character command connections credit direction dominion drag esteem fame fix grease guidance hold imprint in juice magnetism mark moment monopoly network notoriety predominance prerogative prominence pull ropes rule spell supremacy sway
Antonyms
STRONGEST
beginning cause commencement insignificance origin powerlessness source start triviality unimportance weakness
STRONG
subordination
WEAK
impotence incapacity inferiority
VERB
lead to believe, do
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect alter arouse bias change determine guide impress manipulate persuade prejudice prompt regulate shape sway
STRONG
brainwash bribe channel compel control count direct dispose form impel incite incline induce instigate modify mold move predispose prevail rouse rule seduce sell snow soft sell train turn urge
WEAK
act upon argue into be recognized bring to bear carry weight get at have a part in impact on pull strings talk into work upon
Antonyms
STRONGEST
be fair be just continue keep leave alone neglect prevent remain stay stop
STRONG
delay deter discourage disenchant dissuade halt hinder mismanage

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.

The mission, which the U.S. calls “Project Freedom,” shows how the U.S. can still influence the battlefield but faces limits in its ability to change the status quo in the strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The law asks a few key questions: Did Barry do anything which could have caused Guehi to rush, or to influence his poor pass?

From BBC • May 5, 2026

At age 76, Alito is at the peak of his influence and has no interest in stepping down, and he and Thomas confirmed to news organizations they had no plans to retire this year.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The agency previously prided itself on the program’s impartiality and, in an effort to protect its science from the influence of industry, purposefully kept the program separate from the agency offices that craft regulation.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

“I tell you, Miss Lumley, lately my life has been one dramatic plot twist after another! You’re a good influence, I must say—all of you.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing influence

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!