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

In this little world, there are few places as grand and influential as ESP.

From Salon

“It’s been pretty crazy,” Rortvedt said of his brief but influential Dodgers tenure.

From Los Angeles Times

I will say again that “The Bad News Bears” is one of the most influential films of the 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times

Dame Meg Hillier, who chairs the influential Treasury select committee, said ending the limit was not only the right thing to do morally, it also made economic sense in the long term.

From BBC

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said she was influential in "educating future generations and never shying away from taking part in the fight against antisemitism".

From BBC

Related Words

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