sway

To move gently from side to side or backward and forward.

• The trees swayed in the wind.
• She sways gently while holding the baby.
• We stood together and swayed to the slow music.

How to use it: sway to something (The crowd swayed to the music.)

Similar words: rock, swing

Common phrases: sway to music, sway in something, sway back and forth

To influence what someone thinks, decides, or does.

• His argument did not sway me.
• The new evidence swayed the jury.
• Will these promises sway voters toward your party?

How to use it: sway someone toward something (Her speech swayed voters toward the new party.); be swayed by something (Do not be swayed by empty promises.)

Similar words: influence, persuade

Common phrases: sway someone, sway public opinion, sway a decision

To lift a ship’s mast or a pole for its sails into position.

• The sailors began to sway the mast.
• They swayed the yard up before attaching the sail.
• The crew used ropes to sway the heavy pole into position.

How to use it: sway something up (The crew swayed the yard up using heavy ropes.)

Similar words: hoist, raise

Opposites: lower

Common phrases: sway up something, sway the mast

The power to influence people or control what happens.

• His opinion carries little sway here.
• The old traditions still hold sway in this village.
• The minister came under the sway of powerful business leaders.

How to use it: hold sway over someone/something (The family still holds sway over local politics.); have sway with someone (She has considerable sway with the board.)

Similar words: influence, power, authority

Common phrases: hold sway, under someone’s sway, political sway

A gentle movement from side to side or backward and forward.

• The boat had a gentle sway.
• She danced with a slow sway of her hips.
• The sway of the trees showed how strong the wind was.

Similar words: swing, rocking

Common phrases: gentle sway, rhythmic sway, sway of something