AFFECT Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'affect' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of affect are assume , counterfeit , feign , pretend , sham , and simulate . While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling. // affected an interest in art

Q: When is 'assume' a more appropriate choice than 'affect'?

The meanings of assume and affect largely overlap; however, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive. // assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

Q: When could 'counterfeit' be used to replace 'affect'?

While in some cases nearly identical to affect , counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words. // an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

Q: How does the word 'feign' relate to other synonyms for 'affect'?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend , less specific mimicry than simulate . // feigned sickness

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pretend' instead of 'affect'?

The words pretend and affect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance. // pretended that nothing had happened

Q: When would 'sham' be a good substitute for 'affect'?

In some situations, the words sham and affect are roughly equivalent. However, sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible. // shammed a most unconvincing limp

Q: When might 'simulate' be a better fit than 'affect'?

The synonyms simulate and affect are sometimes interchangeable, but simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something. // cosmetics that simulate a suntan

affect 1 of 2

verb (1)

ə-ˈfekt

Definition of affect next

as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response their son claims that scary movies don't affect him in the least

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to involve

to be the business or affair of fortunately, hurricane season doesn't affect the West Coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

affect

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈa-ˌfekt

as in to simulate

to present a false appearance of she affected complete unawareness that we were talking about her, though she must have overheard

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to haunt

to go to or spend time in often a power couple known to affect all the fancy parties in town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb affect contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of affect are assume, counterfeit, feign, pretend, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

When is assume a more appropriate choice than affect?

The meanings of assume and affect largely overlap; however, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

When could counterfeit be used to replace affect?

While in some cases nearly identical to affect, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

How does the word feign relate to other synonyms for affect?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When is it sensible to use pretend instead of affect?

The words pretend and affect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When would sham be a good substitute for affect?

In some situations, the words sham and affect are roughly equivalent. However, sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

When might simulate be a better fit than affect?

The synonyms simulate and affect are sometimes interchangeable, but simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

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 affect

Verb

Amanda’s plight underscores how the tsunami of immigration orders stemming from the White House is affecting not just Venezuelans themselves but countless U.S. citizens and green-card holders in Florida and across the country. —

Verónica Egui Brito and, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025 According to the Mayo Clinic, because the disease affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement, patients slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk, and breathe on their own. —

Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Most notably, Cook cited Apple Intelligence’s absence in China and Chinese affecting sales. —

Kif Leswing, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2025 The message, says de Gouw, is to clean everything one can carefully and thoroughly, because the smoke can affect nearly every part of a home—even in houses far from the fire line. —

Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for affect