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.
We’re bringing together the most influential voices across government, industry, venture capital and public health for high-level networking and vital cross-sector conversations on the urgent issues reshaping medicine.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
Already an influential voice on healthcare issues in the U.S.,
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026
Citing Hollywood’s already struggling production economy, two influential industry unions have jointly called on Paramount Skydance Chairman David Ellison and California Atty.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
"Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party."
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
Ford declined to contribute, but during his encounter with Fosdick, Morris alluded to the breadth of support for Lawrence among other influential donors.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
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.
