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

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

Voters later approved the county reform effort Measure G, which had the unintended effect of repealing Measure J. Measure E would ensure that Measure J remains in effect.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 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

They are, in effect, still trapped in a history which they do not understand; and until they understand it, they cannot be released from it.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

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