Definitions

influential

[in-floo-en-shuhl] / ˌɪn fluˈɛn ʃəl /

ADJECTIVE

effective, powerful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

authoritative dominant famous important leading persuasive prominent significant strong

WEAK

affecting big-gun big-wheel controlling efficacious forcible governing guiding impressive inspiring instrumental major-league meaningful momentous moving name potent substantial telling touching weighty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inconspicuous inferior insignificant obscure subordinate trivial unimportant unknown

WEAK

ineffective ineffectual uninfluential unmoving weak

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.

While the idea was influential, it remained unproven because carbenes were known to be too unstable, especially in water, to capture or study.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

According to a 2025 Deloitte survey, 63% of Gen Zers said ads or product reviews on social media were most influential to their purchasing decisions.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The event in Dublin would happen with the backing of Saudi Arabia-owned production company Sela and influential promoter Turki Alalshikh, co-founder of Zuffa Boxing.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Afrika Bambaataa, the influential rapper and DJ who helped shape the culture of hip-hop via his legendary Zulu Nation block parties in the South Bronx, has died.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

His work as a voice actor taught him how influential radio was.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing influential

Very Necessary: Synonyms for "Important"

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Latin Love, Vol II: fluere

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Unwind

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