AFFECTS Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

affects 1 of 2

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of affect

as in influences

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 involves

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

affects

2 of 2

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of affect

as in simulates

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 haunts

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

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 affects

Verb

Wu said that the fungus mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions who require complex medical care. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition causes a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026 That directly affects ambulance availability and response times. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026 The challenge is that the laser may heat the receiver to temperatures as high as 80-90 °C (176-194 °F), which affects charging efficiency and can eventually damage the drone. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026 There are many checks and balances that normally provide oversight of any architectural project that affects our public spaces. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 That difference may help explain why loneliness affects health differently from social isolation. — The Conversation Us, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026 Debt Existing debt affects how much money is available for a future mortgage payment. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 Living paycheck to paycheck isn't just something that affects low earners. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affects

Verb

Studies such as Edelman's annual Trust Barometer and PwC's Trust Survey showcase how trust influences organizational performance, customer confidence and long-term relationships.

— ByPaul L. Gunn, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
As the following charts will show, a more accurate way to describe it is that the short-end of the Treasury curve heavily influences the Fed funds rate.

— Todd Gordon, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of influences

Verb

This involves aligning the primary and secondary mirrors so light reflects properly to the eyepiece.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The 42-year-old conquered the Via Alpina, which involves traversing a vast European alpine region stretching east to west from Italy, through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and finally France and Monaco.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of involves

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
However, an expert retained by LAIP used Delft3D hydrodynamic modeling, which simulates wind and water movement, People reported.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of simulates

Verb

In the first trailer, Ebenezer Scrooge haunts London as Paramount reminds us of Johnny Depp’s most transformative roles like Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and the Mad Hatter.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 24 July 2026
The Blumhouse production sees Chastain portray Ursula, a wife and mother, as well as a supernatural entity that haunts her family’s home.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026

Definition of haunts

Verb

His search for answers impacts everyone closest to him including his daughter (Odessa A’zion), and his wife (Bitsie Tulloch) as Tom is forced to confront grief, faith and the possibility of second chances.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
By integrating personalized domain extensions early in their tech development cycle, organizations can position the domain as a foundational asset that impacts market perception and revenue generation.

— Matt Overman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of impacts

Verb

The incident highlighted in the declassified materials, however, concerns the security of voter registration information rather than ballots or vote tabulation.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026
The bank says the dispute concerns a contract and an anti-money-laundering review.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of concerns

Verb

Keep trash cans clean and securely closed, and store them away from porches and other outdoor areas your family frequents.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
The Note Nest creator Vanessa Harnik frequents traditional little free libraries and was inspired to create something special of her own.

— Mary Eber, CBS News, 14 July 2026