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

Deductions for seniors, tips, overtime and car-loan interest on American-assembled cars are in effect until 2028.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The blockade on the crucial waterway is officially in effect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The Kremlin said it had ordered a temporary truce to be in effect from Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday, a 32-hour period during which Russia would stop fighting "in all directions".

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The Church ran about 100 mother and baby homes across England where unmarried pregnant women would be sent, in effect, to hide them from society.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The CDO was, in effect, a credit laundering service for the residents of Lower Middle Class America.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis