in effect

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.

Its explanation, however, in effect said that AI didn’t generate the troublesome software coding itself, but did give an engineer instructions about how to write the code — erroneously.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

With “Songs for Swingin’ Lovers,” Sinatra and Riddle were, in effect, trying something very specific.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

I think it’s good to draw attention to the oil embargo that the U.S. has in effect, but also there is an element to what you did that looked from the outside like disaster tourism.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

The clause is in effect for a five-year period, which is meant to give time for voters to respond with political consequences if they disagree with the law.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

The book said that the Jim Crow laws, which had been in effect since the 1880s, divided whites and blacks into two separate worlds.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals