1
as in influences
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in involves
to be the business or affair of
fortunately, hurricane season doesn't affect the West Coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in simulates
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 haunts
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 affects
Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Measuring how the climate crisis affects the frequency of these avalanches is difficult, scientists say.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
There’s also an inanimate object that directly affects Paul’s future so profoundly that this small prop might as well be a lurking, yammering figure in the diner.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
The presenters discussed how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
The Firefighter Cancer Initiative at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has spent more than a decade researching how cancer affects firefighters, working with local departments across South Florida to improve prevention, screenings and treatment for those facing elevated risks on the job.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Meaning, if a condition no longer affects someone's ability to return to work, that can be updated on their paperwork.
—Lauren Hodges, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
But the decision only affects tariffs imposed under that law, so some industries will see no relief at all.
—Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Time’s flux affects not only the body but also the world outside of it, which in Vanderpump’s case means the West Hollywood restaurant scene SUR is part of.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
Balich said the 143rd Street road expansion project greatly affects the district.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Measuring how the climate crisis affects the frequency of these avalanches is difficult, scientists say.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
There’s also an inanimate object that directly affects Paul’s future so profoundly that this small prop might as well be a lurking, yammering figure in the diner.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
The presenters discussed how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
The Firefighter Cancer Initiative at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has spent more than a decade researching how cancer affects firefighters, working with local departments across South Florida to improve prevention, screenings and treatment for those facing elevated risks on the job.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Meaning, if a condition no longer affects someone's ability to return to work, that can be updated on their paperwork.
—Lauren Hodges, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
But the decision only affects tariffs imposed under that law, so some industries will see no relief at all.
—Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Time’s flux affects not only the body but also the world outside of it, which in Vanderpump’s case means the West Hollywood restaurant scene SUR is part of.
—Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Affects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affects. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
