AFFECT Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

affect 1 of 2

verb (1)

ə-ˈfekt

Definition of affect

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

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

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

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

Some prescription drugs and supplements, including fish oil and turmeric, can also affect bleeding or medication levels. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 The controversy has also affected their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026 Displaced Filmmakers Need More Than a Platform War and displacement continue to shape filmmaking across the Arab world, affecting not only the stories reaching screens but the filmmakers trying to build careers. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026 Always consult with a medical professional before making any major changes that can affect your health. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affect

Verb

As voters decide which party can best rescue their chance at the American Dream, political experts say prolonged economic hardship is the defining feature influencing voters in the midterms.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Over the last two years Chuwi has traveled around the globe, and the foursome confirm that will influence their next project.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

Hamilton said he was not involved in his church’s investigation of Moore and the church’s decision to let Moore return to the camp in 2006, a year after the initial allegations.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Taiwanese regulators blocked a previous deal involving Foodpanda.

— Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

This testing simulated the extreme temperatures, shaking and even the sounds that the spacecraft will experience from launch to landing.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
The third stage, Jalan said, uses digital twins that simulate scenarios across more variables than a human team can work through, producing action plans in hours rather than weeks.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of simulate

Verb

Berryman’s own father had committed suicide, and the thought that this was somehow to be his destiny too haunted him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
As both women seek solace in the island’s haunting legends, their stories intertwine across time, revealing how betrayal and creativity can lead to murder under the Mediterranean sun.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of haunt

Verb

Our hearts are with the families whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
And rather than wait for a reason to smile, just making the physical change of literally turning that frown upside down could impact emotions, according to experts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of impact

Verb

Andriesz’s death comes four months after the BBC aired a news documentary featuring him and his allegations concerning Lutnick’s ties to Epstein.

— Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
This can be particularly concerning for people dealing with stalking, harassment or threats.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of concern

Verb

Smart did not enter pleas to charges of being armed, or pretending to be armed, in a way that may cause fear and with making an unlawful threat.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Lee uses this to his advantage, pretending to be a pidgin-speaking Chinese immigrant to protect himself from white people’s suspicion and mistrust.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretend

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affairs

affect

affectation

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Style

“Affect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affect. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of affect

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verb (2)

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