effect 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈfekt How to pronounce effect (audio)
Definition of effectnext
1
as in outcome
a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause better health is always one of the effects of improved hygiene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impact
the power to bring about a result on another religion has a profound effect on our lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in possession
effects plural transportable items that one owns the family packed up its household effects and moved to Florida

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

effect

2 of 2

verb

as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) classroom presentations designed to effect greater interest in careers in scientific fields

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
However, this approach might not be sustainable for everyone, and more research is needed to confirm long-term effects. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025 This shows one of the more harmful and somewhat invisible effects of subsidence. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 May 2025 Powder Overload For that soft, glowy effect, Paige relies on cream blushes and radiant finishes. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 May 2025 This means selecting visual effects, audio genres and voice tones that complement rather than detract. —Pierre Narchi, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
  1. outcome
  2. impact
  3. possession
  4. cause
  5. result
  6. influence
  7. create
  8. resultant
Noun
  • The way the division has played to this point, however, keeps those outcomes as real possibilities.
    — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • Polis also highlighted a unique concern: the CAIA deviates from traditional discrimination frameworks by prohibiting all discriminatory outcomes from AI systems, regardless of intent.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Definition of outcome
Noun
  • If the case is appealed to a circuit court of appeals, that could broaden the impact because circuits span multiple states.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • The trend has raised alarm because visitors from abroad have an important impact on the U.S. economy — especially in California, one of the leading destinations for German tourists.
    — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Definition of impact
Noun
  • When the court in 1995 struck down a federal law banning the possession of a handgun within 1,000 feet of a school on the grounds that Congress exceeded its authority under the commerce clause, Souter asserted in dissent that the court should have instead deferred to Congress .
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The sharp elbows and sweat equity generated more possessions to offset 39.1 percent shooting from the field and helped the Warriors take a 1-0 lead in the series despite only having Steph Curry for 13 minutes in the game because of a hamstring injury.
    — Anthony Slater, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Definition of possession
Verb
  • As for tornado fatalities, this year, many of the twisters that caused deaths occurred in Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi, the Storm Prediction Center said.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2025
Definition of cause
Noun
  • The result of those horrendous 1992 seasons placed the Patriots and Seahawks atop the 1993 NFL Draft.
    — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • For now, Ratcliffe’s arrival has provided an opportunity for the Glazers to step back from the day-to-day, shuffle slightly out of the spotlight, pocket a cool $151.5m each, and see whether a different hand at the tiller could reap better results on and off the pitch.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Definition of result
Noun
  • Her style leans toward country and Americana with a wide array of rhythmic influences.
    — Monica Hooper, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • The influence here, though, permeated into the clubhouse, its effect just as long lasting.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Definition of influence
Verb
  • The proprietary process recovers up to 98 percent of critical metals while minimizing contaminants, creating a ready feedstock for downstream refiners.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Especially because the way it was created was just a Hail Mary.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Definition of create
Noun
  • Show how data from customers/employees contributes to product innovations; present plans for sharing resultant value. 2.
    — James Felton Keith, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Finally, the resultant structure was coated in potassium hydroxide, which washes away less stable structures and leaves behind thousands of microscopic pores.
    — Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of resultant

Phrases Containing effect

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effacing
effect
effected
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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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