1
as in strained
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
affected laughter at the boss's jokes an affected southern accent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogant
self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance
with her pinkie extended, the four-year-old held her tiny teacup in that affected manner that some women have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in inclined
having a liking or affection
after years of being well affected toward their grandchildren, they did not want to lose access to them because of a bitter divorce
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
bowed and sat down at the piano with a degree of affectedness that was laughable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in influenced
to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response
their son claims that scary movies don't affect him in the least
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in concerned
to be the business or affair of
fortunately, hurricane season doesn't affect the West Coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in pretended
to present a false appearance of
she affected complete unawareness that we were talking about her, though she must have overheard
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in haunted
to go to or spend time in often
a power couple known to affect all the fancy parties in town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 affected
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Hitting that figure would rely deeply on the $880 billion charged to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which means Medicaid would necessarily be affected.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Additionally, taxpayers in Los Angeles County, California, affected by the devastating wildfires in January have until October 15 to file their tax returns for 2024.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Hitting that figure would rely deeply on the $880 billion charged to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which means Medicaid would necessarily be affected.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Social Security has promised to increase benefits and make retroactive payments to people affected by the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
But those working within the game are in little doubt that male players are affected, especially in an age when social media adds more noise and pressure than ever before.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Despite having suffered a stroke in 2016 that affected her mobility, Jackson maintains an active schedule with stretching classes twice weekly, water aerobics, and recently line dancing.
—Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Social Security is mailing notices to people who will be affected, and most will see the benefit increases starting this month.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
Additionally, taxpayers in Los Angeles County, California, affected by the devastating wildfires in January have until October 15 to file their tax returns for 2024.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Hitting that figure would rely deeply on the $880 billion charged to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which means Medicaid would necessarily be affected.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Additionally, taxpayers in Los Angeles County, California, affected by the devastating wildfires in January have until October 15 to file their tax returns for 2024.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Hitting that figure would rely deeply on the $880 billion charged to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which means Medicaid would necessarily be affected.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Social Security has promised to increase benefits and make retroactive payments to people affected by the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
But those working within the game are in little doubt that male players are affected, especially in an age when social media adds more noise and pressure than ever before.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Despite having suffered a stroke in 2016 that affected her mobility, Jackson maintains an active schedule with stretching classes twice weekly, water aerobics, and recently line dancing.
—Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Social Security is mailing notices to people who will be affected, and most will see the benefit increases starting this month.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affected
Adjective
-
Prosecutors say that the two-year relationship between Read and O’Keefe had become strained with jealousy and significant fighting, heightened by frequent alcohol use.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi last week, both sides recognized the recent improvements in their strained relationship.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But this act of arrogant bullying should also re-kindle the spirit of hope and unity that swept through this community in the aftermath of that horrible night in 2016, that still binds Orlando in its 150th anniversary year.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Harry Potter fans might recognize Stroma for playing the arrogant Hogwarts student named Cormac McLaggen in the film franchise.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
European fintech, for example, moves incredibly fast, while American healthcare may be more inclined to be cautious about new technologies.—
Dee Coakley,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Here's where the signing might not make sense: With Torrens providing defensive value and plenty of familiarity with the pitching staff, the Mets could be more inclined to chase offensive upside from the backup catching role moving forward.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Hard cuts, double takes, and strange cameos are par for the course with Spike, but those affectations tend to distract from the primacy of this film’s performances.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
19 May 2025
-
The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Hall has been drafted significantly higher than Allen in mock drafts.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Food Network hosted a group of 16 rising high school students at its headquarters in New York this week for a three-day culinary lab that culminated in a competition to pitch a new TV show concept and then a battle for which team could execute the best dishes for a mock version of the idea.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Sears had a proud narrative, but Amazon had a compounding moat.—
Michael Cannivet,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Both teams have won once and lost once in the top flight so far this term, and Sunderland was particularly proud of a 3-0 win at home to West Ham on the opening weekend.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Her clients often downsize their primary residences later in life, but families stay attached to their second homes.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Dinner Sunday-Thursday ($60) Parking: Free for the first two hours in the attached garage or metered street parking Location: 1440 NW N River Dr., Miami – Alex Harris Who should go?—
Constance Ogle,
Miami Herald,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Later that night, the brothers return with Dougal supporting Colum, as his leg is twisted in an unnatural way.—
Lincee Ray Published,
EW.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affected. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share