to that effect

Idioms

With that basic or general meaning, as in He said he was very worried, or words to that effect. This term is also put as to the effect that when introducing a clause, as in She was a little vague but said something to the effect that she'd repay the loan very soon. [Mid-1600s]

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.

From the stage, O’Brien took a light jab at Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos to that effect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

An earlier task force suggestion to that effect was discussed by the board but went unheeded, he charges.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

I’ve applied to positions at firms like “SettlePoint Synergies,” “Hello! Z5arpe 25,” and “Marluflouxx Nü Solutions,” or some other cryptic word jumble to that effect.

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2025

"I'll sign a piece of paper to that effect right here in the studio," he said.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2025

“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Lazlo said, or something to that effect.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023