affect 1 of 2

verb (1)

ə-ˈfekt How to pronounce affect (audio)
Definition of affectnext
1
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
2
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 How to pronounce affect (audio)
1
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
2
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
Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, president of France’s League for the Protection of Birds, told RMC radio that animals affected already numbered in the millions. — Thomas Adamson, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 Coleus can remain attractive year-round but are affected by cold. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 This year’s weather is also expected to be affected by El Nino, a natural warming of the equatorial Pacific that alters weather patterns and spikes temperatures across the globe. — Tammy Webber, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 While war affects fertilizer costs with a delay, recurring extreme weather directly impacts yields, thinning global food buffers. — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affect
  1. influence
  2. involve
  3. simulate
  4. haunt
  5. impact
  6. concern
  7. pretend
  8. frequent
Verb
  • The lockup calendar A key event on Thursday could influence the stock’s near-term moves.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The solitude at the end of the world definitely influenced Shearwater’s sound, as this new record is among the most spare and reflective in Meiburg’s career.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of influence
Verb
  • More than anything else, Murray said, general governmental dysfunction, including turnover among staff members involved in the negotiations, contributed to those delays.
    — Sofi Zeman July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The first stage focuses on meeting school community members, the second involves building an academics strategy, the third revolves around operations and finance and the final stage brings those steps together.
    — Austin Horn July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of involve
Verb
  • Here’s music that doesn’t just deal with pain but structurally simulates it—music about falling apart that falls apart itself.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Remigio collected the ball in the end zone and ran it up the field to simulate an in-game situation.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of simulate
Verb
  • The Tigers have still been haunted by bouts of bad luck and maddening failures to close out games.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Wade Barrett called Rollins the historical ghost who has haunted Roman Reigns for years.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of haunt
Verb
  • The full extent of the damage is not yet clear, but officials said the fire is impacting structures.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • But the project faced pushback from the community after designs revealed last year showed homes would be impacted.
    — DJ Simmons August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of impact
Verb
  • According to the complaint, Grigsby attempted to tell Martinez that concerns about a defense attorney’s performance should be directed to supervisors rather than discussed in open court.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • These remarks come after HeatWorld reported that the sisters have been concerned about their safety, with tensions rising after Eugenie was recently heckled by a man making comments about her father in March.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 July 2026
Definition of concern
Verb
  • But growth and affordability are pulling in opposite directions right now, and Hampton's leadership doesn’t pretend otherwise.
    — Asia Alexander, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe the most ethical – and enjoyable – way to travel now is to stop pretending you live there and embrace your status as a tourist.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • Several squirrels have frequented the ballpark during Tigers games over the years.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
  • Mary Philips is a pro makeup artist with celebrity clients like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, (who frequent her brand’s products often).
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 July 2026
Definition of frequent

Browse Nearby Words

affairs
affect
affectation
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Cite this Entry

“Affect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affect. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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