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Definitions

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.

In an online tribute, Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan wrote: “Finally, the dang secret is out! Their place among the greats secure, their influence on the generations patently obvious.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

"There isn't a life that Facebook's algorithm hasn't touched, and that influence has shaped everything. So it's time to say more," Sorkin told the event.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Altman’s finances are comparably opaque, making it difficult to know how his investments might influence decisions he makes at OpenAI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Scientists suspect that metformin may influence gut bacteria in ways that affect how the body processes glucose.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

As I exchanged a translation for an exercise, I happened to look his way: there I found myself under the influence of the ever-watchful blue eye.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë




Vocabulary lists containing influence