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Dictionary.com
Definitions

take effect

VERB
act
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin carry out develop do enforce execute function move operate pursue respond serve undertake
STRONG
accomplish achieve consummate cook intrude labor maneuver officiate percolate perk perpetrate persevere persist practice preside
WEAK
carry on do a number do one's thing get in there go about go for broke go for it go in for go that route go to town knock off make progress take part take steps take up transort work out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon destroy discontinue disregard end fail forego forget give up idle ignore leave miss neglect stop
STRONG
cease follow leave alone quit
WEAK
abstain halt hesitate refrain
VERB
happen
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear arise arrive crop up develop fall go on hit materialize meet pass result take place transpire
STRONG
befall betide bump chance down ensue eventuate follow issue light proceed recur shake smoke spring stumble supervene
WEAK
be found become a fact become known become of come about come after come into being come into existence come off luck present itself stumble upon turn out turn up what goes
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease disappear fail halt lose stop
STRONG
precede
VERB
tell
Synonyms
STRONG
count militate register weigh
WEAK
have effect have force make presence felt make presence known take its toll
Antonyms
STRONG
ignore
WEAK
estimate figure guess listen misunderstand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The appointment will take effect Sept. 1, and Cook will become executive chairman, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Over in Tennessee, where restrictions on “processed foods and beverages” will take effect in July, Brittany, a single mom, says the cost of food is so high, she struggles even with the support of SNAP.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Although some changes don’t fully take effect until the fall, experts say Arizona’s experience suggests people are already going hungry as a result of the legislation’s changes.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

It is set to take effect 12:01am Eastern Time on Monday, a White House official told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“Darnell and Misty prove that whatever this is doesn’t necessarily take effect right away.”

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner