effort

noun

ˈe-fərt How to pronounce effort (audio)
Definition of effortnext
as in work
the active use of energy in producing a result the finished parade float was well worth the effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 effort Serrano's pioneering efforts continue, as she is slated to become Chairwoman of MVP's women's boxing initiatives post-retirement, solidifying her enduring legacy in the sport. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 This type of finish and blasted shots into the top of the near post are the types of efforts Savinho needs to work on to improve his goalscoring rate. — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 One combat sequence at the end is genuinely excellent because the film puts actual creative effort into staging a knife-versus-ax duel on a gangplank that sways back and forth over the water. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 The Chapman Partnership, a non-profit overseeing efforts to ease homelessness in Miami-Dade, needed a home for a man who was nearly blind and couldn’t walk, feed himself or use the bathroom without help. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for effort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effort
  1. work
  2. exertion
  3. expenditure
  4. pains
  5. sweat
Noun
  • Mateychuk is an excellent skater, with clear NHL edge work and speed to be able to skate pucks up ice, evade pressure and close on checks.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The office's own work plan called for reviewing the rail authority's change-order process by July 2026 — including a $500 million-plus construction change order settlement.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of work
Noun
  • Cardio Load provides a rolling seven-day breakdown of your exertion, along with a target to hit for optimal training gains without overexertion.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Two firefighters were treated at the scene for injuries related to heat and exertion.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of exertion
Noun
  • Yet, despite decades of effort and millions in capital expenditures, true end-to-end lineage across a complex enterprise mosaic of custom builds and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products remained an elusive goal.
    — Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Traders will also get the latest reading on the personal consumption expenditures price index, which is slated for release next Wednesday.
    — Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of expenditure
Noun
  • Nielsen has taken great pains to caution that there is no guarantee that ratings gains will accompany these changes, which are being implemented to further improve the accuracy of its data gathering.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If an infected person has trouble breathing, persistent chest pains or pressure, loses consciousness or sudden confusion, call 911.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of pains
Noun
  • Sleeping on your stomach or side presses your face into a pillowcase full of oil, sweat and product residue, which can clog pores, cause breakouts and eventually contribute to wrinkles.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Even worse than high temperatures is high humidity, which prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body.
    — Scott McFetridge, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of sweat

Browse Nearby Words

effluvium
effort
effortful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effort. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on effort

Nglish: Translation of effort for Spanish Speakers

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