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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.

At age 38 he batted only .181 but provided a settling influence on young Dodgers stars Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

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

Thanks to his efforts, the U.S. has more influence over Cuba’s internal dynamics than at any point since Fidel Castro came to power in 1959.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Co-chief executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters praised his leadership style and said his influence would continue to guide the platform.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Ellsberg admired President Harry Truman’s response—a commitment to supporting democracies and containing Soviet influence from spreading further.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing influence

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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