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

Derived Forms

• ˌinfluˈentially, adverb

Other Words From

• influ·ential·ly adverb
• nonin·flu·ential adjective
• nonin·flu·ential·ly adverb
• over·influ·ential adjective
• quasi-influ·ential adjective
• quasi-influ·ential·ly adverb
• unin·flu·ential adjective
• unin·flu·ential·ly 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

Ms Allen-Wyatt is seen as an influential figure in Welsh women's football and has regularly spoken about her wish to inspire younger players.

From BBC

Lai is one of the most influential pro-democracy figures in the city, which has come under an increasingly severe crackdown from Beijing.

From BBC

Instead, the stories should be about the women and the terrible things that were done to them by small and weak men who were nevertheless more powerful and influential than them.

From Salon

It is the week where farmers are heading for Westminster - and bringing some noisy and influential friends with them.

From BBC

It’s a thematic mix that has recurred, at varying intensities, throughout Lemon’s influential but branding-resistant career.

From New York Times

Related Words

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