influential
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for influential, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Having significant power to affect how things develop or how people think.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use influential
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin influentialis, built on influentia — see influence.
Full origin of influential →Frequently asked questions
What does “influential” mean?
The word “influential” means having significant power to affect how things develop or how people think. In plain terms, having a lot of sway or impact over people or events.
How do you pronounce “influential”?
“Influential” is pronounced ihnf-luu-EHN-shuhl (/ˌɪnfluˈɛnʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “influential” in a sentence?
Here is “influential” used in a sentence: “She became one of the most influential voices in modern architecture.”
What part of speech is “influential”?
“Influential” is an adjective.
Where does the word “influential” come from?
The word “influential” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin influentialis, built on influentia — see influence.
Is “influential” a common word?
“Influential” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between influential and powerful?
Powerful describes having direct power or control, while influential describes having the power to affect how things develop or how people think, often indirectly. A writer can be influential without holding any formal power, and an official can be powerful without changing anyone's mind. The two often overlap but are not interchangeable.
Is it 'influential in' or 'influential on'?
Both patterns are correct but work differently. 'Influential in' is followed by an area or process, often an -ing form: 'she was influential in shaping the policy'. 'Influential on' introduces the person or thing affected: 'his work was influential on later designers'.
What is the difference between influential and important?
Important means having great significance or value, while influential specifically means having the power to affect developments or opinions. Something can be important without changing anything — a rare manuscript, for example — whereas an influential book actively shapes how people think or act.