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verb

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
Closures went into effect for select waterways on Sunday, July 12 and, as of July 18, remained in effect until further notice, Linda Veress, a spokesperson for the NPS, told USA TODAY. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 19 July 2025 The tariffs are due to come into effect on August 1. Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 The full ramifications of the cuts won't be known for several weeks or months as the move goes into effect at the start of the federal government’s fiscal year Oct. 1. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025 The watch will remain in effect until 7 p.m. with up to 10 inches possible, the National Weather Service said in an alert. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • In the pilot program, the U.S. Department of Education offered Pell grants for short-term training for students who wouldn’t otherwise qualify and compared their outcomes to those without grants.
    Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • But expect the outcome of the race to potentially be controversial.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Research consistently shows that leaders who stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations have a significant impact on team outcomes.
    Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • But city leaders do not believe the impacts necessitate declaring a state of emergency, which would redirect city workers to pick up residents’ trash.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • On more than one occasion, defender Jarrad Branthwaite stopped in possession and questioned why there was not more movement in front of him.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 21 July 2025
  • Last year, the Red Sox entered the break on a high note, in possession of one of the American League’s three wild cards, then opened the second half of the season by getting swept by the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • What causes a 'heat dome'? Heat domes occur when an area of high pressure settles over a region and suppresses clouds, allowing intense sunshine to heat the ground and air above it efficiently.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Homelessness, housing costs hit record-high levels nationwide The Department of Housing and Urban Development won't release the 2025 point-in-time count results until the end of this year, but the most recent data shows that homelessness is rising even faster across the U.S. than in Indianapolis.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Air sampling meters tested the building for hazardous conditions, but the results were negative.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Those descriptors are accurate enough, as the band themselves have been upfront and proud about their influences: Lucinda Williams, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Bill Callahan, the Beatles.
    Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
  • Palace had argued that Textor does not have decisive influence at the club because his investment in Palace only entitles him to the same 25% voting rights held by fellow co-owners Steve Parish, David Blitzer and Josh Harris.
    Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Complete the Look Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Quilted Jumpsuit A set of coveralls like this linen-blend style can create a stylish no-fuss outfit.
    Rylee Johnston, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • After cooling, the resultant solid was ground into powder to produce the final pigment.
    Jay Kakade June 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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