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
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
  1. outcome
  2. impact
  3. possession
  4. cause
  5. result
  6. influence
  7. create
  8. resultant
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
  • In contrast, one outcome of the fires that destroyed areas of Los Angeles in January was that deer, mules and mountain lions were seen running panicked along roads or stranded in neighborhoods, pinched into urban spaces by human infrastructure and the advancing fires.
    — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • In April, the company forecast its organic sales growth (which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures) would climb a meager 2% for the fiscal year ended June 30 - the worst performance since 2018.
    — Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 29 July 2025
  • Exceptional leaders understand the far-reaching impact of top performers and seek to meet their needs.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of impact
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
Definition of possession
Verb
  • The Louisville Fire Department's budget allocation is causing disagreement between the firefighters union and city officials.
    — Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 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
Definition of cause
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
  • The result is billions of public dollars spent with little visibility into what’s working.
    — Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • Many analysts see the dispute as a test of which superpower has more influence in this strategic part of Southeast Asia; the U.S., which conducts joint military exercises with Thailand, or China, which is the biggest trading partner of both Cambodia and Thailand.
    — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 28 July 2025
  • Yoon said the martial law declaration, which the National Assembly rescinded after six hours, was necessary to fight North Korean influence among opponents to his leadership in the South Korean government.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
Definition of influence
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
Definition of create
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
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 2 Aug. 2025.

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