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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 researchers investigated how caffeine consumed at different times of day influences inhibition and impulsivity using fruit flies.

From Science Daily

The team believes this discovery could influence multiple fields, including cancer research, drug delivery, tissue repair and synthetic biology.

From Science Daily

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

From Los Angeles Times

For better or worse, no president has ever followed financial markets so closely or been as influenced by them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many of the genes within these supergenes influence traits essential for survival and reproduction, including vision, hearing, and behaviour.

From Science Daily

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.