Synonyms of effect

effect 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈfekt 

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

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• consequence
• product
• matter of course
• aftermath
• issue
• implication
• development
• upshot
• fruit
• aftereffect
• precipitate
• fate
• sequel
• backwash
• sequence
• outgrowth
• corollary
• conclusion
• child
• ramification
• repercussion
• fallout
• denouement
• side effect
• echo
• by-product
• ripple
• aftershock
• afterglow
• blowback
• afterclap
• offshoot
• spin-off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cause
• reason
• consideration
• factor
• occasion
• basis
• base
• ground
• causation
• antecedent
• foundation
• determinant
• incentive
• stimulus
• source
• mother
• spring
• origin
• inspiration
• root
• groundwork
• impetus
• instigation

2

as in impact

the power to bring about a result on another

religion has a profound effect on our lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impact
• influence
• consequence
• repercussion
• sway
• importance
• significance
• prestige
• mark
• weight
• domination
• authority
• mastery
• pull
• dominion
• clout
• command
• supremacy
• sovereignty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• impotence
• helplessness
• powerlessness
• impotency

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

• possession
• belongings
• goods
• things
• stuff
• holdings
• personalty
• personal property
• personal effects
• furnishings
• gear
• paraphernalia
• chattels
• plunder
• property
• movables
• duds
• fixtures
• appointments
• collateral
• treasures
• valuables
• estate
• tangibles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• real estate
• immovables

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

• cause
• create
• bring
• generate
• prompt
• do
• work
• produce
• induce
• spawn
• yield
• effectuate
• invoke
• make
• bring about
• result (in)
• draw on
• translate (into)
• catalyze
• occasion
• give rise to
• found
• promote
• bring forth
• beget
• contribute (to)
• encourage
• introduce
• engender
• bring on
• breed
• determine
• establish
• pioneer
• initiate
• institute
• begin
• launch
• decide
• further
• develop
• start
• inaugurate
• set up
• render
• conduce (to)
• forward
• enact
• foster
• set
• advance
• cultivate
• turn out
• innovate
• father
• nurture
• nourish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limit
• restrict
• impede
• control
• suppress
• dampen
• put down
• subdue
• curb
• inhibit
• crush
• restrain
• quash
• retard
• stifle
• check
• arrest
• quell
• smother
• repress
• kill
• destroy
• can
• crack down (on)
• rein (in)
• squelch
• abolish
• squash
• still
• clamp down (on)
• extinguish
• liquidate
• quench
• demolish
• snuff (out)

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

Recent Examples of effect

Noun

His tale made the dragon a powerful symbol of the corrupting effects of wealth and the dangers of avarice. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

For instance, multiple events can occur simultaneously or in succession, leading to compounding or cascading effects, such as drought that worsens wildfire risk. — Deepti Singh, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

In a recent issue of Nature, researchers described modifying the AI protein-folding software AlphaFold to help identify key areas of gene-editing proteins responsible for off-target effects. — ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026

The film was a massive box office success, and scored an Oscar nomination for the visual effects created by George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Phrases Containing effect

• take effect

Video

How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)