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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.

"It cannot be ruled out that a hazardous substance was introduced... due to external influence," it said.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Entanglement allows qubits to influence each other regardless of distance, while superposition enables a qubit to exist in multiple states at once until measured.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

He’s placing considerable influence in the defense industry space, alongside many others who understand how far behind we are in reforming our military’s procurement process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

By the time that they met in the Delmonico Hotel on that fateful evening, Dylan exerted a powerful influence upon The Beatles’ songwriterly aesthetic.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Hamilton understood the potency of Burr’s influence because he felt those same personal qualities throbbing away inside himself.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis




Vocabulary lists containing influence