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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.

Ahead of their time, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in particular used their positions to influence public health and disseminate medical knowledge to their communities and people around the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

To better understand these questions, a research team led by Professor Shigenobu Matsumura at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology studied how carbohydrates influence eating behavior and metabolism in mice.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Alice Coltrane accomplished so much, and her influence is only now rising to the level it should have been when she was still on this planet.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

The work lays a foundation for the next phase of research, including tracking patients over time and examining how hormones and genetics influence these differences, Dhamala said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Whatever transpired, it didn’t take long before Mrs. Kedzie hightailed it back to Rochester, calling Leah “a bad manager” and complaining of the influence their older sister held over Maggie and Kate.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock




Vocabulary lists containing influence