influence synonyms

influence

n.

  1. Attraction

    sway, spell, magnetism; see attraction 1.

  2. Power to influence others

    control, weight, authority, supremacy, command, domination, leadership, power, leverage, prerogative, esteem, monopoly, rule, sway, hold, fame, prominence, prestige, character, reputation, force, impact, importance, significance, connections, power behind the throne*, clout*, juice*, pull*; see also impact 2, leadership 1, power 2.

influence implies the power of persons or things (whether or not exerted consciously or overtly) to affect others used his influence to get elected; authority implies the power to command acceptance, belief, obedience, etc., based on strength of character, expertness of knowledge, etc. a statement made on good authority; prestige implies the power to command esteem or admiration, based on brilliance of achievement or outstanding superiority; weight implies influence that is more or less preponderant in its effect his viewpoint had great weight with his colleagues

influence

v.

affect, sway, impress, incline, move, dispose, carry weight, count, be influential, determine, make oneself felt, have influence over, lead, touch, lead to believe, get into favor, bring pressure to bear, bribe, seduce, talk into, alter, change, modify, act upon, act on, brainwash, direct, control, regulate, rule, guide, compel, urge, incite, bias, prejudice, turn, train, channel, mold, form, shape, argue into, exercise influence, exert influence, have a part in, bear upon, impact, impact on, gain the confidence of, gain a hold upon, be recognized, make one's voice heard, manipulate, bend to one's will, induce, cajole, convince, persuade, inveigle, motivate, inspire, actuate, prevail over, get at*, have an in*, pull strings*, fix*, wear the pants*, have pull*, have clout*, twist around one's little finger*, have a finger in the pie*, lead by the nose*, have one's ear*, lobby through*, have the inside track*, have in one's pocket*. See syn. study at affect.affect.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.