leverage
7 synonyms for leverage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result.
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 leverage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
leverage a relationship
financial leverage
gain leverage
Common in business and finance contexts; using "leverage" as a verb ("to leverage something") is standard in that register but can sound like jargon elsewhere.
Etymology
From "lever" plus the suffix "-age"; the financial and figurative senses came later, extending the physical idea of a lever multiplying force.
Full origin of leverage →Frequently asked questions
What does “leverage” mean?
The word “leverage” means power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result. In plain terms, using something you have — influence, money, or a position — to get a bigger result than you could otherwise.
How do you pronounce “leverage”?
“Leverage” is pronounced LEHV-rihj (/ˈlɛv.(ə.)ɹɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “leverage” in a sentence?
Here is “leverage” used in a sentence: “The union used its leverage to negotiate better pay and conditions.”
What part of speech is “leverage”?
Depending on how it is used, “leverage” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “leverage” a common word?
“Leverage” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “leverage” have?
“Leverage” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: power or influence used to get an advantage or achieve a desired result.
What is the difference between leverage and influence?
Both refer to power that helps you get a result, but leverage is a specific advantage or point of pressure you can apply in a particular situation, while influence is a broader, ongoing ability to affect people or events. You gain leverage in a single negotiation, whereas you hold influence over a group or field.
When should you use leverage as a verb instead of 'use'?
As a verb, leverage means to use something to maximum advantage, so it carries a strategic, business-like tone. Plain 'use' is better in everyday writing where no amplification or strategic gain is implied, since 'leverage' can otherwise sound like jargon.
What is financial leverage?
In finance, leverage is the use of borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment. Because borrowing magnifies both gains and losses, high leverage is generally considered a higher-risk strategy.
What prepositions are used with leverage?
You typically have or gain leverage 'over' someone or 'with' another party, and you apply leverage 'in' a negotiation. Used as a verb, you leverage something 'to' achieve a particular result.
