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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 There are more than 200 distinct pieces that capture Mexico’s expansive and influential muralist tradition of the modern era. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Woods, 50, is among the most influential figures in golf and is as recognizable as any athlete in the world. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Together, these influential voices will offer a firsthand look at the creative ideas, technologies and techniques shaping the future of filmmaking and the talent leading the way. — William Earl, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Japanese culture has become increasingly influential globally, whether through anime, gaming, fashion, food or music. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for influential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for influential

Adjective

Because these procedures can be incredibly complex, each chamber of Congress has a parliamentarian who provides authoritative, objective, and nonpartisan guidance on how rules and precedents should be interpreted and applied.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Their strategic advantage lies in leveraging local expertise and trusted, authoritative content directly within AI interfaces.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of authoritative

Adjective

Bonnell has previously shown the larger 902, which is expected to become the more powerful flagship of the company's e-Moto range.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
This quietly powerful exploration of familial bonds across generations is a story of finding hope and the importance of a home.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of powerful

Adjective

That has changed quietly, with robots now performing important roles in operating rooms, hospital wards, rehabilitation centers, and corridors around the world.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Reseeding is particularly important in high-traffic areas or patches of the lawn where grubs, heat, or disease have left the turf thin.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

Claiming the 29-year-old Robert would require a more significant financial commitment than Sewald.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of significant

Adjective

His once-dominant bat has gone quiet, leading to significant fan frustration, including boos at home games despite his excellent defense.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
At the time, Americans sipped one dominant style of beer, a light lager, sold by big breweries such as Coors and Anheuser-Busch.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominant

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Browse Nearby Words

influent

influential

influents

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Style

“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/influential. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of influential

adjective

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