Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for influence. Search instead for influenci.
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 term refers to warmer-than-average waters along the equatorial Pacific that can influence weather across the globe, raising the odds of searing drought in some regions and torrential rain in others.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The DHX29-driven mechanism could influence important biological processes such as cell differentiation, maintaining cellular balance, and the development of cancer, suggesting wide-ranging significance.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

The rest were submitted by another group of ratings firms that have grown in number and influence in the years that followed the 2008-09 financial crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

“Investors may reasonably infer that the ETF reflects the analyst’s research, views, or that he has influence over portfolio construction. That creates a potential perception by investors that the analyst is endorsing the investment.”

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

It was possible, and sometimes she thought it probable, that his affection might be reanimated, and the influence of his friends successfully combated by the more natural influence of Jane’s attractions.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen