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
Prelude to The End arrives on the heels of last Friday’s release of The Black Parade (20th Anniversary), the landmark rock opera by the Jersey pop-punkers that’s considered one of the most influential in the ever-evolving emo genre. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026 No escapee is known to have come from the OGD’s central ranks, an indication of the control imposed on the country’s most influential officials. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
One company who might have some answers is The Set Up, the new indie production house that Colin From Accounts commissioner Alison Hurbert-Burns has just set up with Bruna Papandrea and Steve Hutensky’s influential Made Up Stories. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 That’s not to say other judges won’t find the ruling influential, but it’s already been shown that a ruling for an athlete on eligibility doesn’t guarantee a different athlete’s success in another state. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2026 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 1 Nov. 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
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