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 new loan caps take effect in July. —ABC News, 19 May 2026 Changing your eating and exercise habits can have drastic effects on your appearance, even over a short period of time. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 Trustees acknowledged the effect the changes could have on students and parents. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026 The State Department plan shared with Congress on Monday is a proposal that would need to be formally approved by the president before taking effect. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 19 May 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
  • As part of the new effort, the parties will work to establish a new standardized process that allows advertisers to connect outcome information to exposure data via a single integration point, which will support more consistent use.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • The way a leader engages people — how trust is built, how alignment is created, how dissent is handled — ultimately determines whether decisions translate into outcomes.
    — Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • Rowles is also making an impact at Marist in flag football.
    — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Not even BriseBois anticipated James, who was signed as a free agent two days into training camp after his draft rights with the Blackhawks expired, would have made such a quick impact.
    — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • The fiasco left aspiring translators in Korea, most of them people of color, with one less route into the profession, further enabling white people’s social and actual capital to be kept within their possession.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Other than the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks are the only postseason team that ranks in the top three in points scored and allowed per 100 possessions.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Definition of possession
Verb
  • On the topic, Becerra noted that the state should work with an AI company to ensure that data centers stay in California and operate in a manner that benefits residents rather than causing issues similar to other states.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the noses of many people and often do not cause problems.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • As a result, the central government took drastic steps in 2020 to rein in a freewheeling property sector that once accounted for 30% of the country’s economic activity.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • In neighboring Uganda, officials said laboratory results confirmed two cases in the capital of Kampala − including one death − among people traveling from Congo with no apparent link to each other.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • Kofman’s article chronicles the path of such ideas from the fringes to the mainstream, outlining their influence on figures such as Peter Thiel, Stephen Miller, and Elon Musk.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
  • The first two signal the domestic draw that pulls her lover into her orbit, time and time again; the last, her unwillingness to be cowed when the powers that be come to threaten her—and her influence over the other characters, to resist the bootheel of the bully.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Definition of influence
Noun
  • Prosecutors said Altoona officials sought the warrant to facilitate the transfer of Mangione’s belongings to New York investigators, not to authorize the search of his possessions.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • Ellis used a firearm to threaten victims and steal jewelry and other belongings, including family heirlooms and wedding rings, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Definition of belongings
Verb
  • Wilson worked alongside stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn and the Oscar de la Renta team to create a custom gown featuring tiny Japanese cherry blossoms around the neckline and scattered throughout the design, according to Vogue.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • On the planet, the Mandalorians encounter Gideon, who is revealed to have created clones of himself.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 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 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on effect

Nglish: Translation of effect for Spanish Speakers

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