influence 1 of 2

influence

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word influence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of influence are authority, credit, prestige, and weight. While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

When can authority be used instead of influence?

While in some cases nearly identical to influence, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When might credit be a better fit than influence?

The words credit and influence can be used in similar contexts, but credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would prestige be a reasonable alternative to influence?

The synonyms prestige and influence are sometimes interchangeable, but prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When could weight be used to replace influence?

In some situations, the words weight and influence are roughly equivalent. However, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of influence
Noun
The second is to ensure that the facts surrounding John O’Keefe’s death are fully fairly aired in the courtroom without outside influence. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025 The question of whether a homegrown act with a major K-pop influence can cross over, and truly take root, in the notoriously discerning British mainstream is more complex. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
Below, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share key strategies to help Gen-Z job seekers make a splash in a job market increasingly influenced by AI. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 This in conjunction with a present-focused mentality, make some people more prone to be influenced by pet-fluencers than human social media personalities. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for influence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence
Noun
  • Venezuelans make up almost one-third of the city’s electorate and hold significant sway in local elections.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • With Turkish backing, HTS operated in northwestern Idlib Province through much of the Syrian civil war and managed to extend its sway over the territory.
    Jerome Drevon, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Pending a final regulatory review, the rules are expected to go into effect for the upcoming season.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The postal service’s current prices went into effect on January 19, the agency said on its website.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The bill's requirement to show proof of citizenship in person would affect millions more voters who do have the documentation but register by mail or online, the Brennan Center said.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The precise extent of the cancellations and the specific products affected remain unclear.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Russia analysts have questioned why Russia was not subjected to any tariffs, and whether its exclusion could be part of a White House plan to try to gain leverage over Moscow in any Ukraine peace talks.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Many of the softest housing markets, where homebuyers have gained leverage, are located in Sun Belt regions of the Gulf Coast and Mountain West.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, so these job losses will have significant impact on the economy.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Evaluating sea-level rise impact zones: The Navigator enables precise mapping of low-lying coastal areas at risk from rising sea levels.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These are hourly workers, but they’re not impressed by me.
    Alice Park, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Security And Infrastructure Throughout my tenure in Dubai, I’ve been continually impressed by the city’s commitment to safety and infrastructure.
    Henri Al Helaly, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the center of these disputes is the president's authority to remove executive branch officers from their positions at independent agencies.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike medicine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before the products are sold to the public.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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