INFLUENCE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

influence 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s

Definition of influence

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Pfeffer, meanwhile, joins Rogier for a conversation about the mechanics of power — including how people gain influence, leverage status and relationships and ultimately convert power into financial opportunity. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026 Leaders may learn the importance of listening while operating within decision processes that leave little room for employee influence. — Gwen Mdinaradze, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

There is little doubt this massive event will influence global weather, the remaining doubt lies in exactly what that weather will look like over the next year. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 In practical terms, what happens in your mouth influences your gut, and what happens in your gut influences your mouth. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for influence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for influence

Noun

The story plays out in New York’s cutthroat acting scene, where a talented Indian actor chasing his craft falls under the sway of Keitel’s teacher.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sway

Noun

The result gives researchers a different way to examine anomalous Hall effects.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Some meteorologists are predicting a more mild early winter season due to the effects of El Nino, which could have an impact on this year’s flu season, Wu said.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of effect

Verb

Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
At that altitude, even small changes in orientation can affect where an instrument looks on the ground.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of affect

Noun

Instead, the authors argue public money could have more leverage by underwriting risks that commercial markets currently will not.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Analysts see improving execution and believe P & G is on track to exit this fiscal year at a healthy enough top-line growth rate to deliver operating leverage and help profits.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of leverage

Noun

At Duke University, meanwhile, the Neuroartifact project is using neuroscience and AI to better understand the cognitive impact of archaeological artifacts.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Executives from French media and entertainment group Mediawan Group, whose production banner portfolio includes Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, were among the people on stage getting quizzed about the impact of mega-mergers.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of impact

Verb

The textile dissolved in the making process, leaving its pattern impressed in clay.

— Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
That still leaves plenty to be impressed by because the machine has to stay upright, recover from contact and turn those commands into real physical movement inside the cage.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of impress

Noun

Meta was working to integrate Manus' team and technology into its system when authorities blocked the deal.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Bulgarian maritime authorities said Wednesday that the search efforts for the crew of Alfa Watan had been suspended and wouldn't resume.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of authority

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inflows

influence

influenced

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“Influence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influence. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of influence

noun

verb

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