Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for influence. Search instead for influence/5.
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.

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

On top of that, a declining stock market may influence consumer spending too, because of the “wealth effect.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

After an exposition of “Fridamania”—the mass-market manifestations of Kahlo’s omnipresence—visitors see that Kahlo’s influence continues to this day among artists.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

It has shown it has some influence in the Middle East, and it certainly has ambitions to gain more leverage in the future.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The Stalwarts enjoyed substantial influence in filling government jobs.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow