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
Recent Examples on the Web
But the cumulative effect can be a narrowing of perspective.
—
Betsy Atkins, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
At the end of the Strip Law season, there are hints that its cumulative effect could be greater than the sum of its puns, near-rhymes and esoteric shoutouts.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026
Ogawa’s writing—at least, as translated by Stephen Snyder—is made up of these relatively simple sentences, but the cumulative effect is hypnotic.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
The cumulative effect is a restructuring of the American state within constitutional form.
—Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect
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Betsy Atkins, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026
At the end of the Strip Law season, there are hints that its cumulative effect could be greater than the sum of its puns, near-rhymes and esoteric shoutouts.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026
Ogawa’s writing—at least, as translated by Stephen Snyder—is made up of these relatively simple sentences, but the cumulative effect is hypnotic.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
The cumulative effect is a restructuring of the American state within constitutional form.
—Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
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 25 Feb. 2026.
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