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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
Since the law and its federal counterpart went into effect, consumable hemp products like delta-8 and delta-9 gummies, drinks and vapes that can produce a high have been readily available at stores and gas stations. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025 Imagine the regenerative effect of an EV yet built with the centuries-old standards of finishing, and jostling for attention with a Mandala-like enamel dial. Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025 In May, a new Federal Trade Commission rule that generally prohibits the use of junk fees in sale of live-event tickets went into effect. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025 But in the same way that mirroring effects in a family can harm a child, art can be a solution. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • Unwavering loyalty Schrandt told ABC News that any deportations to Afghanistan are an unacceptable outcome.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The cumulative effect is fewer community judgments and more private, judicial and legislative control over outcomes.
    Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Still, her impact is undeniable.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Elsewhere, impacts were reported in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk and Odesa regions.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Still, the offense wasn’t flowing, and the unit had just given an extra possession to the Jaguars with an interception that led to a touchdown.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • During more than two hours of testimony, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities are in possession of numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the craft unlike any of the grainy imagery that has so far been declassified.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 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
  • The result is that the field of ketamine therapy goes unregulated.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Police have not indicated whether the test results have come back, who owns the dogs or if there are more dogs possibly being investigated.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After Lebanon’s civil war ended in 1990, Hezbollah expanded its influence across politics and society by remaining armed – unlike other militias, it was exempted from disarmament under the Taif Agreement due to its role in resisting Israeli occupation.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Dusk has just destroyed the political center of the Empire in the Galactic Council, the seat of the largest religion in the Empire, and also the entirety of Cloud Dominion, which had a massive armada and significant political influence.
    Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This $8 set comes with four zippered pouches that can separate dirty, wet, or stinky shoes from the rest of your belongings.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Set up familiar spaces – Arrange furniture and pet belongings in a similar way in the new home to make the transition less jarring.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When interviewed by officers, Burns admitted to creating multiple social media accounts to distribute and receive child pornography, including files of prepubescent children, the release states.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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