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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
This includes the deployment of do-it-yourself air filters and development of low-cost, point-of-use water filters to mitigate exposure to the secondary effects of drought. Katherine Ann James, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2025 People who were addicted to drugs, due to residual effects of the crack epidemic, were still lovable people like Friday's Ezal (played by the late A.J. Johnson), despite being responsible for why Craig lost his job in the first place (see director's cut). Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 If Trump’s original rates go into effect in July, Burlap & Barrel could pay a 46% import rate on spices from Vietnam, or a 26% rate on products from India. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025 Frequent fliers and summer vacation hopefuls have been rushing to get one squared away before the nationwide travel mandate goes into effect. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • But authentic, demonstrable progress: proof of better outcomes, built on real expertise.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The most devastating of all those outcomes undoubtedly came in 2021 when, with a 3-1 series lead, the Leafs failed to close out the Habs with three chances to do so.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The difference in frequency is an indication of the impact of climate change.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The North Star Award is, NATPE said, for leaders who have had a bar-raising impact.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But with the game on the line in crunch time, Anunoby forced a Cunningham mid-range miss, Bridges forced a Cunningham turnover on a drive to the rim, then Anunoby forced another mid-range miss on the game’s final possession.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • So, too, was Gordon, Christian Braun, Jokić and other Nuggets nearly getting into a full-on brawl with James Harden and the Clippers on the last possession of the first half.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The tariff file has caused a high level of uncertainty both for consumers and businesses.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And there’s a biological reason for it: Broken heart syndrome occurs when intense emotional stress causes your heart to temporarily stop pumping properly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.
    Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Webb telescope observations could have occurred by chance or could be the result of previously unknown chemical processes at work on K2-18b.
    George Petras, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Friday’s result provided further clarity on the Heat’s draft pick situation.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Advocacy, messaging and partnerships must go where the influence is moving.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The debris – space rocks known as meteoroids – collides with Earth's atmosphere at high speed and disintegrates, creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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