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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.

Influence can happen in spaces where formal power is absent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Influence, informal relationships, and even reputation increasingly entered their fiduciary analysis.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 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

Both A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria were collaborations with her former husband John Cassavetes.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2024

Influence of Chagall, according to the catalogue, but that is not true.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende




Vocabulary lists containing influence


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