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 Moltbook effect — Traina tells me that Moltbook’s viral moment led to a surge in inbound calls from companies seeking Tools for Humanity’s services. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 Ginger contains more than 400 chemical compounds, but the anti-nausea effect primarily stems from two — gingerol and shogaol — which give the plant its pungency. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Freshen Up Laundry Enhance the effect of laundry detergent by adding lemon oil. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026 Streaky washes and ombre effects emphasized the volume and movement of some baggy styles. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026 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. belongings
  8. create
Noun
  • But even more people avoid the worst outcomes of colon cancer by getting screened early and as often as is recommended.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome of Kaley’s lawsuit could help guide how around 1,500 similar lawsuits against social media companies are resolved.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • El Paso is home to one of the largest cargo facilities near the border, so these restrictions could have a significant impact on shipments as well.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Retail bankruptcies have had a major impact on malls and their landlords who must seek out new tenants to fill sites being vacated, and/or devise redevelopment plans.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • City had 61 per cent possession and their passing accuracy in the final third was 84 per cent before the break compared to Liverpool’s dismal 43 per cent.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The control does not have to be an arrest or physical possession of a person.
    — Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of possession
Verb
  • The crash was reported shortly after noon and was caused by a 92-year-old woman driving a Toyota Prius, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The explosion, which ripped through the mosque during Friday prayers, was caused by a suicide bomber, police told CNN.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • Substitutions will always be scrutinised by supporters when results go badly.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Gary gets jealous about his brother’s backflips and tries to outdo him with increasingly tragic (and funny) results.
    — Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • Global celebrity influence Zendaya begins her brand ambassadorship at Louis Vuitton — and is the face of its 2026 130th anniversary campaign.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Pinder described the choir’s sound as modern gospel with influences from contemporary Christian music and Caribbean traditions.
    — Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of influence
Noun
  • Documents ranged from official descriptions of the cotton experiment led by engineer Eduardo Chávez on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border to inventories listing of the belongings carried by deportees returning to Mexico.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Deep pockets on either side offer ample space to hold your belongings, and the super-stretchy, soft fabric will become a favorite for maintaining full-day comfort.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of belongings
Verb
  • Armchair analysis fills the space that is created by the absence of available facts.
    — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Another measure, House Bill 1645, would create state versions of FEMA programs as Mississippi officials prepare for reduced federal disaster support.
    — ALEX ROZIER Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of create

Phrases Containing effect

Browse Nearby Words

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 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on effect

Nglish: Translation of effect for Spanish Speakers

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