as in work
the active use of energy in producing a result
the finished parade float was well worth the effort
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Recent Examples of effort
In the second half, the Knicks began making a concerted effort to get their All-Star big man the ball.
—
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
The novel’s efforts at cognitive estrangement begin with home and family life.
—Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
In an effort to prevent birth defects, California now requires food makers to add folic acid to corn masa flour used to make tortillas and other foods like tamales and pupusas.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
In 2025, it was paired with Realscreen and held in the same week in an effort to streamline and reduce costs for the producers as well as attendees.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effort
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
The novel’s efforts at cognitive estrangement begin with home and family life.
—Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
In an effort to prevent birth defects, California now requires food makers to add folic acid to corn masa flour used to make tortillas and other foods like tamales and pupusas.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
In 2025, it was paired with Realscreen and held in the same week in an effort to streamline and reduce costs for the producers as well as attendees.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effort
Noun
-
While Protect Wyoming is necessarily focused within the state and on state politics, rather than federal candidates, its work stands to influence nonresidents who hunt, fish, and recreate in the state.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
For commuters like Sirena Lopez, who drives two hours each way for work, the impact is immediate.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And yet, in the scene on the Hill of Love, Lapid offers no self-questioning, no sense of cinematic exertion or trouble, in the fictional framing of the real agonies of Gaza.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Doctors sent him home with medication to stabilize his heart and strict instructions to limit any exertion.—
Lisa Hughes,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The 33-year-old’s contract renewal was hardly the only hefty expenditure the club tied themselves to in 2025.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
For instance, walking at a brisk pace generally increases total energy expenditure and burns more calories per minute.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
One associate dean couched the misstep as a result of learning pains tied to the adoption of new technology.—
Emily Hodgson Anderson,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Tagovailoa, sporting a gray T-shirt and white ball cap, went through the pains and shortcomings of his past, his expectations for 2026 and the quarterback battle that awaits him in Flowery Branch.—
Daniel Flick,
AJC.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the intimate snapshot, Steinfeld, clad in a bump-baring striped shirt and sweat shorts, peers at Allen over her mug.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Even without a major spill, everyday wear and tear including sweat, pets, and sticky fingers leaves its mark (or many marks) on the cotton, microfiber, leather, or other common couch upholstery facing daily use.—
Bridget Reed Morawski,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effort. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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