in effect

Idioms  

1. For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement . [Late 1500s]

2. In or into operation, as in This law will be in effect in January . Related phrases include go into effect and take effect , which mean “become operative,” as in This law goes into effect January 1 , or It takes effect January 1 . Similarly, put into effect means “make operative,” as in When will the judge's ruling be put into effect? [Late 1700s] Also see in force , def. 2.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in effect

"Children in effect undergo a body composition reset at the plateau around age 4 years, which prepares them for the growth stages after that age," he explains.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

According to the complaint, the original agreement to name the field “and any expansion of it” after Kennedy was intended to remain in effect “for the life of the field.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

"A tropical storm watch is in effect for Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana," forecasters said.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Tropical storm warnings -- as well as lower-grade watches -- were in effect in parts of Florida and Louisiana.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

The snowbank had, in effect, returned to being a silent snowbank.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el