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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
But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services. Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 July 2025 This warm hue is caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same effect that causes colorful sunsets and sunrises. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 July 2025 The danger was not over as flash flood watches remained in effect and more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday. Brit Morse, Fortune, 7 July 2025 Map shows where a flood watch is in effect in central Texas Monday, July 7, 2025. July 7, CBS News, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • The end result could be a substantially stricter outcome than what a trial could have delivered.
    Michael Ruiz , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Research links religion is to positive outcomes after disasters, as engaging in faith helps people make sense of what's just happened.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Ironically, the impact will hit especially hard in Republican areas–a fact that Forbes (and others) thought last November might protect the industry from such savage cuts.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • This could be a $6 million per season deal that doesn't pan out to being an impact addition.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • One user even asked Grok, X’s AI tool, for details about the specific fireworks in his possession.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 8 July 2025
  • Police are trying to find the owner of the minibike and learn how the 10-year-old gained possession of it.
    Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Odors are often caused by residual water or mineral buildup.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
  • Trump’s latest threat to impose a 30% tariff on South Africa caused the South African rand to weaken 1.6% against the U.S. dollar.
    , CNBC, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The result is a versatile cooker for waffles, pancakes, meat, veggies, and kinda whatever.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 29 June 2025
  • The state police and Correction and Community Services’ Office of Special Investigations probes any in-custody death that isn’t the result of natural causes, Whittaker said.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • This is the new reality: The click may vanish, but the influence remains.
    Sergio Alvarez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • While sequestering a jury — essentially isolating the 12 jurors and six alternates assigned to the case from the outside world — can be challenging, the process may prove to be essential in eliminating external influences.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • Either way, the ceramic mineral complex uses negative ions to seal the hair’s cuticle, locking in moisture while creating long-lasting curls.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 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 13 Jul. 2025.

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