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.

Wiles, though, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and while she has remained in her role, her influence may not be quite as forceful as it once was.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Analysts say the claims were unfounded and he acted out of anxiety about the armed forces' waning influence.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Critics said his appearance was an improper effort to influence the court ahead of a decision that will have major repercussions for his domestic policy agenda.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

But their influence was mainly limited to Congress, the Legislature and local politics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Lady Constance must have still been under the influence of the special bread Madame Ionesco had provided, for these terrible goings-on seemed not to trouble her at all.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

influence

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words