Effect Synonyms | Uses & Example Sentences

Effect is a noun that means “result.” It can also be a verb meaning “to cause.”

Some synonyms for effect are:

  • Impact
  • Consequence
  • Outcome
  • Ramification
  • Influence
  • Repercussion
  • Aftermath
  • Enact
  • Bring about
  • Achieve

Synonyms for effect

Effect as a noun can imply either a positive or a negative connotation, so it’s often used with an adjective that describes it (e.g., “a good effect,” “a devastating effect.”)

Some synonyms more closely match effect than others. For example, “impact” can often be substituted without changing the sentence structure or meaning. However, “ramification” implies a negative result and is mostly used in the plural, meaning your sentence may need a light rewrite.

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you rewrite sentences to use synonyms for effect correctly.

Synonyms for effect meaning result
Match Synonym Effect example Synonym example
Strongest Impact The new law had a positive effect on the community. The new law had a positive impact on the community.
Consequence Lung cancer can be a negative effect of smoking. Lung cancer can be a negative consequence of smoking.
Outcome One positive effect of exercise is a healthier heart. One positive outcome of exercise is a healthier heart.
Influence The effect of the revolution was evident throughout the country. The influence of the revolution was evident throughout the country.
Strong Development One good effect of the meeting was a higher salary for workers. One good development from the meeting was a higher salary for workers.
Aftermath Food prices soared as an effect of the war. Food prices soared in the aftermath of the war.
Fallout The economic effect of the pandemic was felt across the globe. The economic fallout of the pandemic was felt across the globe.
Ramification The policy change had far-reaching effects. The policy change had far-reaching ramifications.
Weak Repercussion The sudden decision had a lasting effect on their relationship. The sudden decision had lasting repercussions for their relationship.
Product The effect of this experiment was an increase in white blood cells. The product of this experiment was an increase in white blood cells.
By-product The effect of his actions was clear to everyone. The by-product of his actions was clear to everyone.
Tip
There are two other meanings of the noun effect that are used in specific contexts:

  • In science, effect can mean “phenomenon” (e.g., “the Doppler effect,” or “the Pygmalion effect”).
  • In theater and cinema, effect refers to “a technique used to create illusions” (e.g., “special effects” or “a practical effect”).

In these contexts, it’s better to stick with effect and not use synonyms.

Effect is less commonly used as a verb meaning “to cause.” Don’t confuse affect and effect. Affect is a verb meaning “to impact” or “to pretend.”

Synonyms for effect meaning to cause
Match Synonym Effect example Synonym example
Strongest Bring about The new policy will effect major changes in the industry. The new policy will bring about major changes in the industry.
Create The new law effected better working conditions. The new law created better working conditions.
Generate Their efforts effected a lot of interest in the project. Their efforts generated a lot of interest in the project.
Strong Achieve The strategy was designed to effect a smooth transition. The strategy was designed to achieve a smooth transition.
Prompt His speech effected a strong response from the audience. His speech prompted a strong response from the audience.
Enact The committee effected new regulations for safety. The committee enacted new regulations for safety.
Weak Implement We recently effected changes to our hiring process. We recently implemented changes to our hiring process.
Realize She worked hard to effect her vision for the project. She worked hard to realize her vision for the project.

Frequently asked questions about effect synonyms

What’s a synonym for side effect?

Synonyms for “side effect” include:

  • Ramification
  • Complication
  • Aftereffect
  • Reaction
  • Aftermath
  • Fallout
  • By-product

Synonyms for “side effect” overlap with synonyms for effect. QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you use synonyms to best express your intended meaning.

What’s a synonym for domino effect?

Some synonyms for “domino effect” are:

  • Chain reaction
  • Ripple effect
  • Cascade
  • Snowball effect
  • Spillover effect
  • Knock-on effect
  • Cause and effect

Find more synonyms for “domino effect” or synonyms for effect with QuillBot’s free Paraphraser.

What’s a synonym for negative effect?

Synonyms for “negative effect” include:

  • Fallout
  • Ramification
  • Repercussion
  • Blowback
  • Detriment
  • Toll

To form more synonyms for “negative effect,” you can choose a synonym of effect and modify it with a negative adjective.

Or use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find synonyms like these.

What’s a synonym for ripple effect?

Some synonyms for “ripple effect” are:

  • Chain reaction
  • Knock-on effect
  • Spillover effect
  • Cascade
  • Snowball effect
  • Domino effect
  • Cause and effect

Find more synonyms for “ripple effect” or synonyms for effect with QuillBot’s free Paraphraser.

What’s a synonym for cause and effect?

“Cause and effect” can refer to “the process where cause leads to effect” or “a series of effects, each one caused by the last.”

Some synonyms for “cause and effect” meaning the process are:

  • Causality
  • Causal relationship
  • Connection
  • Interconnection
  • Chain of circumstance

Some synonyms for “cause and effect” meaning the series are:

  • Chain of events
  • Train of events
  • Ripple effect
  • Domino effect
  • Snowball effect

Use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to find more synonyms for “cause and effect” or synonyms for effect.

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Kate Santoro, BS

Kate has a BS in journalism. She has taught English as a second language in Spain to students of all ages for a decade. She also has experience in content management and marketing.