cause and effect
noun
plural causes and effects
: the direct relationship between an action or event and its consequence or result
Toys that make noise when interacted with … offer auditory stimulation and teach cause and effect.—
Maya Polton and Katrina Cossey
Maya Polton and Katrina Cossey"Human nature is to look for cause and effect," says Robert Baloh, professor of neurology and head and neck surgery at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. … "I see this daily when I see patients. They're all sure something they ate or something they did caused their problem and their symptoms."—Frank Bures
Frank Bures… focused on observable and verifiable causes and effects in the natural world …—Rafi Eis
Rafi EisExamples of cause and effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The research had significant limitations, was not designed to be able to prove cause and effect, and contradicts previous studies that indicated positives for heart health.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
That said, the study wasn’t designed to prove cause and effect, only to uncover patterns based on a relatively short period of data collection and follow-up.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 4 Nov. 2025
Not that there’s a direct cause and effect between botched screens and not knowing where you’re supposed to line up shortly after them, but the point is that far too often this season, the Packers have looked disheveled or inept on offense, given their talent on that side of the ball.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
There’s causality and cause and effect.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cause and effect
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
That said, the study wasn’t designed to prove cause and effect, only to uncover patterns based on a relatively short period of data collection and follow-up.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 4 Nov. 2025
Not that there’s a direct cause and effect between botched screens and not knowing where you’re supposed to line up shortly after them, but the point is that far too often this season, the Packers have looked disheveled or inept on offense, given their talent on that side of the ball.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
There’s causality and cause and effect.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cause and effect
Cite this Entry
“Cause and effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cause%20and%20effect. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share