influential

[in-floo-en-shuhl]

adjective

1. having or exerting influence, especially great influence.

   three influential educators.

   Synonyms: important, forceful, consequential

noun

1. a person who exerts or can exert strong influence.

   according to influentials of the fashion industry.

influential

/ ˌɪnflʊˈɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. having or exerting influence

Other Word Forms

• influentially adverb
• noninfluential adjective
• noninfluentially adverb
• overinfluential adjective
• quasi-influential adjective
• quasi-influentially adverb
• uninfluential adjective
• uninfluentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of influential¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Medieval Latin influenti(a) “stellar emanation” ( influence ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

This philosophy found its most influential practitioner in Jack Welch at General Electric, who popularized the shareholder value movement by focusing corporate strategy on stock price maximization rather than stakeholder balance.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Newly influential and feisty right-wing parties criticize the LDP for not being nationalist enough.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Two influential biotechnology analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald called for the removal of Kennedy after he left.

Read more on Barron's

Opponents, including the influential entertainment industry, had argued it would be difficult to implement because streaming services don't have the same control over ad volume as broadcasters.

Read more on BBC

"Jack knows that I see how influential he is for Everton and that he is on his way to be the best version of himself."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• authoritative 
• dominant 
• famous 
• important 
• leading 
• persuasive 
• prominent 
• significant 
• strong