Synonyms of 'affect'
1 (verb)
to influence (someone or something)
Millions of people have been affected by the drought.Synonyms
influence
, , What you eat may influence your risk of getting cancer.
concern
, , This matter doesn't concern you, so stay out of it.
transform
, the speed at which your body transforms food into energy
alter
, They have never altered their programmes.
modify
, They agreed to modify their recruitment policy.
change
, We are trying to detect and understand how the climate changes.
manipulate
, He's a very difficult character. He manipulates people.
She was unable, for once, to manipulate events.
act on
, sway
, Don't ever be swayed by fashion.
prevail over
, bear upon
, impinge upon
2 (verb)
to move someone emotionally
He loved his sister, and her loss clearly still affects him.Synonyms
emotionally move
, touch
, It has touched me deeply to see how these people live.
upset
, She warned me not to say anything to upset him.
overcome
, I don't know what to say! I'm quite overcome.
stir
, I was intrigued by him, stirred by his intellect.
disturb
, He had been disturbed by the news of the attack.
perturb
, He didn't seem to be perturbed by the news.
impress on
, tug at your heartstrings often facetious)
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(verb)
to put on a show of
He listened to them, affecting an amused interest.Synonyms
put on
, assume
, , He assumed an air of superiority.
pretend
, He pretended to be asleep.
imitate
, a precedent which may be imitated by other activists
simulate
, , , , They rolled about, simulating a bloodthirsty fight.
counterfeit
, He financed a plot to counterfeit gold coins.
feign
You can't feign interest in something you loathe.
Copyright © 2016 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alter
to make or become different
They have never altered their programmes.
in the sense of assume
to make a pretence of
He assumed an air of superiority.
Synonyms
Video: pronunciation of 'affect'
Nearby words of 'affect'
Source
Thesaurus for affect from the
Collins English Thesaurus