EFFECT Synonyms: 201 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How are the words 'achieve' and 'accomplish' related as synonyms of 'effect'?

Achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. // achieve greatness

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

effect 1 of 2

noun

i-ˈfekt

Definition of effect next

as in outcome

a condition or occurrence traceable to a cause better health is always one of the effects of improved hygiene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in impact

the power to bring about a result on another religion has a profound effect on our lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in possession

effects plural transportable items that one owns the family packed up its household effects and moved to Florida

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

effect

2 of 2

verb

as in to cause

to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) classroom presentations designed to effect greater interest in careers in scientific fields

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Quincey said on the company's earnings call Tuesday that if the tariffs go into effect, making aluminum cans more expensive, the company could start selling more beverages in plastic bottles. —

Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025 Marathon Petroleum processes a significant amount of heavy crude and expects costs to increase if the tariffs on Canadian energy go into effect, CEO Maryann Mannen told investors recently. —

Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025 While the immediate effect is mostly on Israel's reputation, the export controls could have a negative impact on the Israeli tech industry in the future. —

Marc Caputo, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025 This move to raise tariffs by 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods will have the opposite effect. —

Kristian Burt, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for effect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effect

Noun

Deaths and births disproportionately occurred in the South, which has already tended to have worse infant and maternal health outcomes than the rest of the country.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Trump and Musk capitalized on the agency’s missteps, particularly an out-of-control budget increasingly untethered from foreign policy outcomes.

— Sean P. Brooks, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025