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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
Ditto for the effects of preexisting conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 The new prices go into effect immediately for new subscriptions. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2025 Serve the liqueur in stylish glassware, layer it over ice for a visual effect, and add a garnish, maybe a dusting of cocoa, a cinnamon stick, or a caramel drizzle. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025 What’s more surprising is that a tiny amount of activity could have a noticeable effect, according to a study published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that included more than 13,000 women with an average age of 72. Veronique Greenwood, Time, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • But federal prosecutors in Brooklyn say the ex-athletes and all the other players were in on a ruse, using technology to rig the outcome.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, a reliable method for measuring a team’s performance is to use underlying metrics to understand the team’s process more than its outcomes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The organization’s Green Heart Project, which studies the impact of better air quality on heart disease through urban greening, has found that increasing the number of trees and shrubs in an area can create lower levels of a blood marker associated with inflammation.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Experts bemoan the loneliness epidemic and its impact on youth, mental health, longevity, and chronic pain.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rephayah Oselmo is wanted by the state of New York in connection with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon, according to a news release from the Marshals Service.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul on Durant, who was playing tight defense, on the Thunder’s final possession.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The uncertainty has caused fear for the nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites who rely on FoodShare benefits.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • These storms can also damage key technological infrastructure, such as by interfering with the flow of electricity in the power grid and causing transformers to overheat and fail.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Thunder’s pregame party was the result of outlasting the Indiana Pacers in seven thrilling, competitive finals games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The brand recommends setting aside 30 to 45 minutes to fluff the flame-retardant branches for the most realistic result.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Gabbiadini didn’t have that influence.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Will Trump look to wield more influence?
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Generally, taking up space from somebody else’s chair by spreading your belongings around is not considered acceptable on a plane, where individual space is already limited.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Authorities believe the burglary took place before the students could return to collect their belongings, occurring between Thursday and Saturday, according to the outlet.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Heavy snow and strong winds could impact major routes, isolate higher-elevation communities, and create hazardous conditions for early-season recreation.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • After an effort to create a Falls of the Ohio national park fell short in 1967, Kentucky and Indiana officials struggled to stop the falls from becoming a garbage dump.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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