cumulative effect

noun

: an effect produced by something happening over a long period of time
the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body

Examples of cumulative effect in a Sentence

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But to many legal scholars, the cumulative effect of these actions is a calculated effort to redefine who belongs—and who doesn’t—within America’s legal and political framework. Nik Popli, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 Most of Soderbergh’s choices aren’t consciously registered by the viewer, but their cumulative effect is impressive in its flawless evocation of classic Hollywood style. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025 Even though the overall pace of food inflation has slowed, the cumulative effect of price increases over the past few years is still weighing on consumers. Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 The cumulative effect of those interpretations directly shapes how socially well—or unwell—people feel. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect

Cite this Entry

“Cumulative effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumulative%20effect. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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