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

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
These financial effects extend beyond states where sports betting is legal. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 But scientists still haven’t fully evaluated the effects of simultaneous exposures to many of these chemicals over a long period of time. —Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026 The mission also flew through the Van Allen radiation belt, providing valuable data for scientists on Earth related to the effects of cosmic radiation on the human body. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 Creating that kaleidoscopic refracting effect is the piece’s hand-cut glass, which can be done up in rich jewel tones such as Amber, Green, Purple, or Bordeaux. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 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
  • The same way that alcohol affects people differently, mixing alcohol and CBD can cause different outcomes in different people.
    — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The 100 Best leaders focus on what’s effective, not simply efficient—on outcomes, not just usage.
    — Michael Bush, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • Outside the courtroom, the case is already having an impact — especially in South Florida's immigrant communities.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • While economic impact can be quantified and reported, community impact cannot be so easily transacted.
    — Michelle Grabner, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • The Heat’s zone worked on several second-half possessions, but Miami still allowed too many open threes -- and had too many defensive breakdowns -- when the game was decided in the fourth quarter.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Bush is charged with murder, home invasion and criminal possession of a firearm, and is being held in lieu of a $2 million court set bond.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of possession
Verb
  • While firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, the blaze caused significant damage to the store and destroyed merchandise.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Recurring internet blackouts have also compromised communications, and caused even more confusion for families, who have been racing to confirm the fates of those who have disappeared.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • Speak up to create results that show integrity.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Most of the games Gordon has missed this season have been the result of a recurring right hamstring strain.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • In interviews with The Star, politicians, consultants and other political experts touted Graves’ ability to use his influence in Washington to bolster Kansas City’s most important projects.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Charlotte credited him and maternal grandfather Jeff Foy for being big influences on her softball path.
    — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of influence
Noun
  • With its solid wood construction and rich espresso finish, this unit can support your belongings on its three sturdy shelves.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The situation escalated when one member of the group used profanity while gathering their belongings.
    — Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of belongings
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The avalanche descended approximately 400 vertical feet down a face of Perry’s Peak, creating a debris field about 100 feet wide, the report said.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
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 5 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of effect for Spanish Speakers

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