Synonyms of effectual

effectual

adjective

as in efficient

producing or capable of producing a desired result

after trying many remedies for the condition, he finally found an effectual one that actually helped

Synonyms & Similar Words

• efficient
• effective
• potent
• productive
• efficacious
• adequate
• operative
• fruitful
• useful
• practical
• capable
• convincing
• skilled
• adept
• practised
• practiced
• proficient
• competent
• expert
• practicable
• skillful
• cogent
• valid
• feasible
• experienced
• useable
• masterly
• dynamic
• striking
• realizable
• hyperefficient
• active
• telling
• accomplished
• veteran
• ultraefficient
• workable
• functional
• sound
• usable
• killer
• applicable
• consummate
• versed
• virtuoso
• working

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ineffective
• useless
• ineffectual
• inefficient
• fruitless
• inoperative
• unproductive
• incapable
• incompetent
• counterproductive
• vain
• unskilled
• futile
• unfruitful
• inexperienced
• unqualified
• unsuccessful
• hollow
• abortive
• idle
• empty
• unprofitable
• pointless
• worthless
• unskillful
• inexpert
• inoperative
• unavailing
• unseasoned
• bootless

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective effectual contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effectual are effective, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When can effective be used instead of effectual?

The synonyms effective and effectual are sometimes interchangeable, but effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When could efficacious be used to replace effectual?

The meanings of efficacious and effectual largely overlap; however, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

In what contexts can efficient take the place of effectual?

Although the words efficient and effectual have much in common, efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car