Actual and In effect

Related terms

Actual adjective - Existing in fact and not merely as a possibility.

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In effect and actual are semantically related. In some cases you can use "In effect" instead the word "Actual" as an adjective or an adverb.

In effect adjective - Exerting force or influence.

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Actual and in effect are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Actual" instead the phrase "In effect" as an adjective or an adverb.

Xanatos Speed Chess: It was started years prior the actual start of the story, between two certain people and is still in effect, although only one of them knows it.

Source: Fan Fic / Dragon Age: The Crown of Thorns
In actual gameplay though, nothing changes, so Gameplay and Story Segregation is in effect.

Source: Video Game / Lord of Magna: Maiden Heaven
Very little is said as to whether an actual Masquerade is in effect; in fact, Wally seems outright annoyed that Joe doesn't know about the other objects yet.

Source: Series / The Lost Room

Cite this Source

In effect and Actual. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/actual/in_effect

Actual & In effect. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/actual/in_effect>.

In effect or Actual. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/actual/in_effect.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "actual" and "in effect" have occurred on timeline