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 increase in aggressive breast cancer cases -- particularly hard-to-treat subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer -- has prompted scientists to take a closer look at environmental influences that may be contributing to these trends.

From Science Daily

As Petak puts it, "Our results show that the choice of variable environment," she says, "can strongly influence the outcome."

From Science Daily

Others made such a significant impact early on that their influence is still felt, and are now trying to branch out into something new.

From The Wall Street Journal

The close match between the locations of the vents and these fault systems highlights the strong influence of tectonic forces on where hydrothermal fluids are able to reach the seafloor.

From Science Daily

Because of Mars' stretched orbit and gravitational influences from other bodies, the time difference can vary by as much as 226 microseconds per day throughout the Martian year.

From Science Daily

influence

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words