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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
Failing to take your medication when you’re supposed to can nullify its effects and affect your health. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025 At Eckhaus Latta, makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench teamed up with Lashify on a look featuring sheer white lashes that created a ghost-like effect. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025 Matte and glassy surfaces and pops of colors that have a glowing effect add light to the overall dark and edgy story. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025 At its least harmful, the message players wore across their chests Sunday trivializes a life-altering situation as inconsequential and secondary for those who lack the fame and platform to remind us of the permanent effects. Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • Local organizations are training AI models on regional medical data to improve healthcare outcomes.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • With an outside agency taking the lead, local officials hoped to mitigate concerns over conflicts of interest and inspire public trust in the investigation’s outcome, the county wrote last month in a letter to Bonta.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • More generally, the Nepalese public criticized the government’s measures disproportionate impact on ordinary users.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The psychological impact of this shift cannot be overstated.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Games are often decided by a final possession, series of penalties, or matchup factor.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Paige has been charged with larceny over $1,200, malicious destruction of property over $1,200, breaking into a depository and possession of a burglarious instrument.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Our brains evolve against friction, which means challenges that are difficult enough to promote growth but not so overwhelming as to cause surrender.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • There have been several Republican senatorial candidates who have caused major headaches for the party.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • According to the company, multiple benchmark results showed that its model’s overall performance surpassed that of Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek’s latest reasoning model.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The process produced uniform, reproducible results, paving the way for mass production of catalysts fit for seawater electrolysis.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • By the mid-1930s, however, Husseini’s influence was dimming.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Fall’s fashion trends mark a return to classicism, with influences from academia and the English countryside, and few pieces capture the mood as effortlessly as blazers.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But after filling out the documents, the ICE agents confiscated the belongings of the workers and boarded the workers into police vans, the diary said, transporting some with chains around their waists, ankles, and wrists.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The sturdy nylon exterior is water-resistant and RFID-protected, and its secure zippers can safely hold an AirTag inside to keep track of your belongings during the chaos of a travel day.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Turns out Stephano was pondering beltmaking too, leading the two to partner on a new business venture creating small-batch leather pieces and metal accessories.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The collection features approximately 350 works created in Cuba from the revolution through the 2000s.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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