effect 1 of 2

1
2
3

effect

2 of 2

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
The New York Democrat, 74, was at the Senate gym in Washington while an extreme heat advisory was in effect. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 25 June 2025 However, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of physicians have the best of intentions, these new rules will have a chilling effect on both veterans seeking health care and providers caring for them. Flavia Mangan Colgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Adding more high-skilled immigrants every year instead of just a one-time increase would have a larger effect. Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Future studies with more participants—measuring the long-term effects of these diets—are needed to determine who benefits the most from each one. Simon Spichak, Health, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • That’s a direct hit to educational outcomes and to the state’s long-term financial stability.
    Dr. Ara J. Baghdasarian, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The outcome is a setback as Senate Republicans hoped to get votes underway by week’s end to meet Trump’s Fourth of July deadline for passage.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 26 June 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
  • Topgolf Callaway also appears increasingly likely to not see much of a net impact from tariffs.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Wiegman normally uses a 4-2-3-1 out of possession and then, in possession, pushes her box-to-box midfielder up the field to form a 4-3-3.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The grand jury returned the indictment this week, charging Labrador Sierra with possession of a firearm by an alien who is in the U.S. unlawfully, making a false statement while purchasing a firearm, and making or using false documents, the DOJ said in a news release.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
  • They had been expected to argue that severe mental disease or defect caused Purdy not to comprehend that his conduct was wrong.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The result is abundant natural light and views of the grounds beyond the home.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • The result is a versatile cooker for waffles, pancakes, meat, veggies, and kinda whatever.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired 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
  • 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
  • This card asks you to retreat, reflect, and create space for healing.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effect. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!