effect 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈfekt How to pronounce effect (audio)
Definition of effectnext
1
as in outcome
a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause better health is always one of the effects of improved hygiene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impact
the power to bring about a result on another religion has a profound effect on our lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in possession
effects plural transportable items that one owns the family packed up its household effects and moved to Florida

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

effect

2 of 2

verb

as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) classroom presentations designed to effect greater interest in careers in scientific fields

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb effect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effect are accomplish, achieve, discharge, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When is accomplish a more appropriate choice than effect?

The words accomplish and effect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of effect?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

In what contexts can discharge take the place of effect?

While the synonyms discharge and effect are close in meaning, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

When might execute be a better fit than effect?

Although the words execute and effect have much in common, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When can fulfill be used instead of effect?

While in some cases nearly identical to effect, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for effect?

The meanings of perform and effect largely overlap; however, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of effect
Noun
The alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m. The storms are packing penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 1 June 2025 The alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m. The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches). —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 1 June 2025 Both rulings were appealed by the administration, and a federal appeals court determined the tariffs can remain in effect during legal challenges. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2025 Michigan In Michigan, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared an Air Quality Advisory that will remain in effect through 6 a.m. Saturday. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
  1. outcome
  2. impact
  3. possession
  4. cause
  5. result
  6. influence
  7. create
  8. resultant
Noun
  • But the volatility and timing of rate changes will depend on the outcome of the ongoing legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and on possible capacity changes related to the introduction of the U.S. port docking fees on Chinese ships, which are uncertain.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 June 2025
  • There’s been speculation in the Russian and Western media about areas for possible negotiation, and the outcome of the Istanbul talks are being closely watched for any hints of flexibility.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • The turtle is reportedly doing fine and the golf ball impact doesn’t seem to have caused long-term consequences besides a pretty unique scar.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 29 May 2025
  • The justices said claims of the potential impact on the environment have been used too often to delay or block new projects.
    — David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of impact
Noun
  • In a statement to the Tribune, Reese denied that any staffers notified him about concerns over Crayton’s alleged firearm possession.
    — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • After the Sun got the stop, Rivers led a fast-break possession, assisting Jacy Sheldon for the easy bucket.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Definition of possession
Verb
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
  • Affirm is currently offering more 0% interest loans, in which merchants subsidize borrowing costs, which has also caused some investors to pull back.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of cause
Noun
  • The result is more of a finer bar-and-grill — note that’s the new name — with dinners for $20-$40.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
  • Similar tests on reefs in the Florida Keys have been conducted, with mixed preliminary results, likely due to regional differences in SCTLD.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 June 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • Factors like age, lifestyle, and weight history influence how well the skin adjusts.
    — Heidi Cope, Health, 29 May 2025
  • Nothing destroys influence faster than saying one thing while doing another.
    — Nirmal Chhabria, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of influence
Verb
  • Defense created easy offense and in the halfcourt, the ball skipped around.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
  • Ronaldo’s post on social media on Monday, when Al Nassr played the final match of their season, then created more conversation.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of create
Noun
  • Meanwhile caretakers are concerned with something that can be even more challenging to address: the psychological trauma resultant from years of abuse in captivity.
    — Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
  • Show how data from customers/employees contributes to product innovations; present plans for sharing resultant value. 2.
    — James Felton Keith, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of resultant

Phrases Containing effect

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effacing
effect
effected
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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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