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
Since the law and its federal counterpart went into effect, consumable hemp products like delta-8 and delta-9 gummies, drinks and vapes that can produce a high have been readily available at stores and gas stations. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 Imagine the regenerative effect of an EV yet built with the centuries-old standards of finishing, and jostling for attention with a Mandala-like enamel dial. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025 In May, a new Federal Trade Commission rule that generally prohibits the use of junk fees in sale of live-event tickets went into effect. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025 But in the same way that mirroring effects in a family can harm a child, art can be a solution. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 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. belongings
  8. create
Noun
  • Local organizations are training AI models on regional medical data to improve healthcare outcomes.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • With an outside agency taking the lead, local officials hoped to mitigate concerns over conflicts of interest and inspire public trust in the investigation’s outcome, the county wrote last month in a letter to Bonta.
    — Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • More generally, the Nepalese public criticized the government’s measures disproportionate impact on ordinary users.
    — Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The psychological impact of this shift cannot be overstated.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of impact
Noun
  • Still, the offense wasn’t flowing, and the unit had just given an extra possession to the Jaguars with an interception that led to a touchdown.
    — Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During more than two hours of testimony, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities are in possession of numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the craft unlike any of the grainy imagery that has so far been declassified.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of possession
Verb
  • Our brains evolve against friction, which means challenges that are difficult enough to promote growth but not so overwhelming as to cause surrender.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • There have been several Republican senatorial candidates who have caused major headaches for the party.
    — Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of cause
Noun
  • The result is that the field of ketamine therapy goes unregulated.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Police have not indicated whether the test results have come back, who owns the dogs or if there are more dogs possibly being investigated.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • By the mid-1930s, however, Husseini’s influence was dimming.
    — Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Fall’s fashion trends mark a return to classicism, with influences from academia and the English countryside, and few pieces capture the mood as effortlessly as blazers.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of influence
Noun
  • But after filling out the documents, the ICE agents confiscated the belongings of the workers and boarded the workers into police vans, the diary said, transporting some with chains around their waists, ankles, and wrists.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The sturdy nylon exterior is water-resistant and RFID-protected, and its secure zippers can safely hold an AirTag inside to keep track of your belongings during the chaos of a travel day.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of belongings
Verb
  • Turns out Stephano was pondering beltmaking too, leading the two to partner on a new business venture creating small-batch leather pieces and metal accessories.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The collection features approximately 350 works created in Cuba from the revolution through the 2000s.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of create

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 16 Sep. 2025.

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