INFLUENCE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

influence 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s

as in sway

the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly a mayor who doesn't hesitate to use her influence to get business leaders behind civic improvements

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in effect

the power to bring about a result on another the basic premise of astrology is that the position of the stars has an influence on human affairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

influence

2 of 2

verb

as in to affect

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the news reports of the devastating flood influenced a great many people to make contributions for food and supplies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 influence of the world’s richest man in Trump’s orbit cannot be overstated. —

Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024 Family vlogs can have both positive and negative influences. —

Holly Garcia, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024

Verb

Jacobsen is well versed in how a food’s terroir, or origin of place, influences its flavor. —

Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024 The study projects that overall, deaths influenced by temperatures will drop within Mexico. —

Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for influence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence

Noun

Painful blows Israel has dealt Hezbollah massive blows since going on the offensive against the group in September, killing its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other top commanders, and pounding areas of Lebanon where the group holds sway.

Maayan Lubell, Maya Gebeily, and Laila Bassam, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
Even as the deal was finalized, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon, striking areas in the country’s south and east, along with the suburbs of the capital — areas where Hezbollah militants hold sway.

Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024