in effect
Idioms-
For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement . [Late 1500s]
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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.
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.
Twenty states have Section 1332 waivers in effect, but nearly all use them only to pay for reinsurance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026
The prime minister's plan to reinstate the £2 cap on bus fares in England from January to be in effect throughout 2027.
From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026
The Russian Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that the truce was in effect.
From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026
Even when people can recognize where hurricane watches are in effect, they may not feel more at risk or become more inclined to take precautions.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 20, 2026
Martial law was in effect in the whole country.
From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
