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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

Examples 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
Apart from cutting off parts of the north, an Israeli ban against WFP’s aid partner, UNRWA, is set to come into effect in two weeks. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 Sign up for Axios Latino Barak Ravid Updated Jan 19, 2025 - World Three Israeli hostages released after Gaza ceasefire begins Three Israeli female hostages were released by Hamas on Sunday, six hours after the Gaza ceasefire came into effect. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025 But make no mistake, by allowing the ban to go into effect, the Supreme Court has weakened the First Amendment and markedly expanded the government’s power to restrict speech in the name of national security. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 20 Jan. 2025 The decision coincided with the ceasefire and hostage-release deal agreed between Israel and Hamas that went into effect on Sunday. David Brennan, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for effect 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect
Noun
  • And Basso might be sanguine about that outcome, given his general outlook on the industry he’s been working in since youth.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
  • That is still the most likely outcome but the waters have been far choppier in the House of Lords than predicted, as several Conservative peers, including West Ham vice-chair Baroness Brady, have filibustered to delay the process and proposed hundreds of amendments to scupper the bill.
    Matt Slater, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Parlour criticises Germany’s defensive line, expresses incredulity at Italy switching sides at half-time and praises the impact of super-sub Americans?
    Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The coveted piece of film memorabilia was rediscovered after decades in storage among the possessions of mother-daughter duo Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Houston closed out the first half with a four-minute, 20-second scoring possession before Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took a kneel-down to send it to halftime.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • During the past two years, Bieber has not toured or released new music, citing health issues, including the effects of partial paralysis caused by Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The strike, which happened from May to June of that year, caused multiple railroads to shut down, impacting the delivery of mail, according to the publication’s report.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The use of military flights is the result of an executive order Trump signed earlier this week.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The surge in scoring and in 3s is not just a result of analytics.
    Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This dual role—as both a creative engine and a source of misinformation—underscores TikTok's unique influence.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The role could give Musk, who also owns X and runs SpaceX, influence over federal agencies’ budgets, staffing and regulations in ways that favor his companies, including his AI startup, xAI.
    Hayden Field, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The third season is once again created, written and directed by Mike White, with producers including White, David Bernad and Mark Kamine.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The city of Indianapolis created a position within the Office of Public Health and Safety to focus on preventing youth violence.
    Arika Herron, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Designers had initially hoped to tunnel beneath the rail line, but UP refused permission, the resultant bridge adding well over $15 million to the project cost, according to Ellerman.
    Mark Lamster, Dallas News, 29 June 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near effect

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on effect

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