in effect

phrase

: in substance : virtually
… the … committee agreed to what was in effect a reduction in the hourly wage.—Current Biography

Examples of in effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The flash flood warning is in effect in Hardin and Tyler counties. — Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 Powell then reiterated that the court had already ruled in a previous case that the new map would not be in effect if the referendum was certified for the ballot. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 In 1990, the German duo Milli Vanilli was exposed for having lip-synched both onstage and, in effect, on record, as the two ostensible members of the duo had nothing to do with its music. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Everything else involves the supplier, the pickup location, and the local regulations in effect at the destination. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in effect

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in effect was in the 15th century

Rhymes for in effect

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Browse Nearby Words

ineffaceable
in effect
ineffective
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20effect. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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