INFLUENTIAL Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

influential

adjective

ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-shəl

Definition of influential

as in authoritative

having power over the minds or behavior of others in light of the effect that they have had, religious leaders such as Jesus and Muḥammad must be regarded as among the most influential people ever

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in powerful

having great power or influence a particularly influential politician got the team a new ballpark

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 influential If Democrats win a majority next Congress, Cuellar is in line to chair the influential House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Jorge Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro ally who has held several senior government positions, has remained an influential figure in Venezuelan politics and a central member of the leadership surrounding his sister. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 In 2022, she was named one of Time’s most influential people. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026 The 10th Circuit governs federal district courts in six states—Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming—and its rulings are influential, though not binding, elsewhere. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for influential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential

Adjective

This excellent volume contains a series of concise and authoritative essays on key aspects of the Ghetto’s early history, written by leading experts in the field.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
The new system will organize types of data that proved difficult to categorize in the past — such as the ways firms make difficult decisions — to make the rankings more authoritative.

— Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of authoritative

Adjective

At Gucci, the iconic Horsebit takes center stage across bags, belts and shoes, transforming timeless house codes into powerful statement accessories.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Simon has weakened to a Category 2 storm, its eye remaining just offshore as its most powerful winds and rain slammed communities between the Sierra Madre and the ocean and were forecast to persist off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.

— JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of powerful

Adjective

Understanding the answer is often more important than the opportunity itself.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Ties between Ukraine and its most important backer the United States have also been strained by the apparent withdrawal of US intelligence sharing, and restrictions to the Starlink satellite internet service.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

Sullivan and Peltola have already faced off this year, but Thursday's debate was widely seen as the most significant for the general electorate.

— Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
That reality makes the latest Carrera T more significant than its understated badge might suggest.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of significant

Adjective

The result is one of the most quietly dominant competitive positions in modern industry.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Georgia looked dominant in the opening minutes, even after Stockton had to leave after hitting the field helmet-first on the first play of the game.

— Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominant

Adjective

But zest was one of just two strengths (the other is hope) that had the strongest relationship to mental well-being across countries and age groups.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
However, some safety advocates and Senator Maria Cantwell want a stronger federal review process.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of strong

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influent

influential

influents

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“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of influential

adjective

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