influential
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of influential
First recorded in 1560–70; from Medieval Latin influenti(a) “stellar emanation” ( see influence) + -al 1
Explanation
If your grandfather worked his whole life in a circus and inspired you to wear clown shoes, you could describe your grandfather as very influential in your life. Something that exerts influence or power can be called influential. You could read a deeply meaningful book that becomes influential to you, or there might be an important person in your life who is strongly influential over various decisions you make. The Latin word influentem, "flowing in," is the root of the Old French influence, which described the power was believed to flow from the stars.
Vocabulary lists containing influential
Very Necessary: Synonyms for "Important"
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Latin Love, Vol II: fluere
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Unwind
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Time magazine later named her among the world's 100 most influential people.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
With shares recently showing signs of softness, investors are beginning to question whether the software rally can maintain its footing without clear leadership from its most influential name.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
A new biography of the influential Cold War columnist Walter Lippmann reminds us that the issues he dealt with, and what he said about them, are mostly a comprehensive bore to anyone today.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
The film derives its title from the girl’s interest in “Little Irène,” a painting by influential French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
Kane’s influential family supported their adventurous son financially as he put together a second expedition to the Arctic.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
