influential

1 of 2

adjective

in·​flu·​en·​tial ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-shəl How to pronounce influential (audio)
Synonyms of influentialnext
: exerting or possessing influence
influentially
ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce influential (audio)
adverb

influential

2 of 2

noun

: one who has great influence

Synonyms of influential

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Adjective

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Examples of influential in a Sentence

Adjective His theories have become more influential in recent years. My parents have been the most influential people in my life.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
As a result, business reputation can be a bit more visible and potentially more influential than before. — William Jones, USA Today, 7 July 2026 She is regularly cited as one of the most influential figures in popular culture of the 21st century. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 8 July 2026
Noun
But that’s not the only fix Richard Reeves suggests in his influential Of Boys and Men. — Joan C. Williams june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025 But in the two months since the law went into effect, many of the biggest ticket marketplaces in the live industry aren’t following the new law, a state senator influential in its passing says. — Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for influential

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of influential was in 1570

Rhymes for influential

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Browse Nearby Words

influent
influential
influenza
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Cite this Entry

“Influential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/influential. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

influential

adjective
in·​flu·​en·​tial
ˌin-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-chəl
: having influence
influentially
-ˈench-(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on influential

Nglish: Translation of influential for Spanish Speakers

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