influential
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word 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.
Barron’s has recognized Malik for many years as one of the 100 Most Influential Women on Wall Street.
From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026
Influential Shia groups in Baghdad have varying links to neighbouring Iran's Islamic Republic, which is also controlled by Shia clerics.
From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026
Influential policing organizations such as the Police Executive Research Forum and the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police have recommended restrictions, which in the past have also been pushed by the Justice Department.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026
Influential Western intellectuals saw colonialism as “a means to development.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025
Influential opinion writer Dorothy Thompson did not mince words.
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
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.
