in effect

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.

Example Sentences

Another ban targets adverts on platforms linked to "extremist" organisations, in effect ending advertising on Instagram which many small businesses had relied on as a shopfront.

From BBC

In Northern Ireland, there were also three Magdalene Laundries – in effect, workhouses where women and girls were made to carry out demanding duties.

From BBC

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that will be in effect from 10 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith seethed in a post to X, daring Kennedy to “go to Annunciation School and tell our grieving community, in effect, guns don’t kill kids, antidepressants do.”

From Salon

A red flag warning remains in effect for the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains and foothills through Saturday night.

From Los Angeles Times