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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb effect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effect are accomplish, achieve, discharge, execute, fulfill, and perform. While all these words mean "to carry out or into effect," effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

When is accomplish a more appropriate choice than effect?

The words accomplish and effect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

How are the words achieve and accomplish related as synonyms of effect?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

In what contexts can discharge take the place of effect?

While the synonyms discharge and effect are close in meaning, discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

When might execute be a better fit than effect?

Although the words execute and effect have much in common, execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

When can fulfill be used instead of effect?

While in some cases nearly identical to effect, fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

When would perform be a good substitute for effect?

The meanings of perform and effect largely overlap; however, perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

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 effect
Noun
The New York Democrat, 74, was at the Senate gym in Washington while an extreme heat advisory was in effect. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 25 June 2025 However, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of physicians have the best of intentions, these new rules will have a chilling effect on both veterans seeking health care and providers caring for them. Flavia Mangan Colgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Adding more high-skilled immigrants every year instead of just a one-time increase would have a larger effect. Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Future studies with more participants—measuring the long-term effects of these diets—are needed to determine who benefits the most from each one. Simon Spichak, Health, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • Legal and financial barriers delay needed care, leading to substantially worse health outcomes for our community.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • The court today disregards Congress's express desire to prevent that very outcome.
    June 26, CBS News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • As the impact of the strikes was still being assessed Sunday, European and Gulf leaders appeared united in calls for diplomacy and restraint, while Iran’s longtime allies, China and Russia, criticized the aerial assault as a gross escalation that could lead to further war.
    Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
  • This phrase has a clear intent and a violent legacy, and its impact is not theoretical.
    Lisa Katz, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Wiegman normally uses a 4-2-3-1 out of possession and then, in possession, pushes her box-to-box midfielder up the field to form a 4-3-3.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The grand jury returned the indictment this week, charging Labrador Sierra with possession of a firearm by an alien who is in the U.S. unlawfully, making a false statement while purchasing a firearm, and making or using false documents, the DOJ said in a news release.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The system works by stopping micro-inflammation, which disrupts the hair’s growth cycle, stopping new growth in its tracks and is easily caused by hormones, stress and genetic disposition.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • With results showing that only just over half of immigrants intend to stay in Germany permanently, the report signals trouble for Europe’s largest economy which is already struggling with historic labor shortages.
    Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Per a memo from the fall on the bid results for the project, this summer’s renovation, the project’s first phase, will entail equipment replacement in the freshman wing, as well as adding air conditioning in the gymnasium area.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • However, she was found guilty of operating under the influence.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • To the frustration of many fans, the former UConn guard—the 30th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft—was cut after two preseason games, showing the conundrum that current roster limits create for player development.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
  • Subscribers can stream on up to three devices simultaneously, create up to 10 profiles and save unlimited live or future shows for up to one year.
    Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • After cooling, the resultant solid was ground into powder to produce the final pigment.
    Jay Kakade June 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
  • Meanwhile caretakers are concerned with something that can be even more challenging to address: the psychological trauma resultant from years of abuse in captivity.
    Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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