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.
Jail records show the felony arrest warrant obtained by the Marysville Police Department remains in effect. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Tariff treatment can vary according to a product’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, country of origin, customs value and the specific trade measures in effect. — Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 With a tornado warning in effect Sunday afternoon, workers had decided to forgo blowing up the oversized lawn ornament. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 The watch remains in effect through Thursday afternoon for Linn County, Kansas, and Bates and Henry counties, Missouri. — Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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