1
as in to influence
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response
their son claims that scary movies don't affect him in the least
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to involve
to be the business or affair of
fortunately, hurricane season doesn't affect the West Coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to simulate
to present a false appearance of
she affected complete unawareness that we were talking about her, though she must have overheard
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to haunt
to go to or spend time in often
a power couple known to affect all the fancy parties in town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affect
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
Smaller airports serving West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Fla., were also affected, per CNBC.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The tax relief applies to individuals and businesses in southern California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds that began Jan. 7.
—Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
This decision will jeopardize our national security and significantly affect and damage the economies of numerous communities nationwide.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affect
Verb
Now, scientists are studying Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) nests to learn more about how humans are affecting the natural world.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
Smaller airports serving West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, Fla., were also affected, per CNBC.
—Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The tax relief applies to individuals and businesses in southern California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds that began Jan. 7.
—Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
This decision will jeopardize our national security and significantly affect and damage the economies of numerous communities nationwide.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affect
Video
How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'
A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)
Cite this Entry
“Affect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affect. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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