special effect
noun
: an image or sound that is created in television, radio, or movies to represent something real (such as an explosion) or imaginary (such as a monster)
a movie with spectacular special effects
Examples of special effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ash flew through the area like a Christmas special effect.
—
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026
There is something charming, though, about seeing what is clearly just a man in a gorilla suit be played so straightforward and earnestly like a special effect.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The Exorcist: Believer: Based on the latest film in the Exorcist franchise, guests will follow the journey of two girls who’ve been possessed, all the way to their exorcism, which includes disappearing wall special effect that reveals a hidden hellscape, according to a promo video for the house.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 June 2025
That the gaping hole is really just a matte painting — a special effect — doesn't lessen the suspense or the comedy.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Another special effect Clipchamp offers is video speedup and slowdown.
—PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025
Rather than the warm acoustical refinement of the famed Musikverein, the Vienna Philharmonic’s home, every orchestral utterance jumped out at the audience like a 3D special effect.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Yes, late night shows do jokes about politics, but only SNL is comprised primarily of sketches with sets, costumes, and the occasional special effect.
—Al Franken, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
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Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026
There is something charming, though, about seeing what is clearly just a man in a gorilla suit be played so straightforward and earnestly like a special effect.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The Exorcist: Believer: Based on the latest film in the Exorcist franchise, guests will follow the journey of two girls who’ve been possessed, all the way to their exorcism, which includes disappearing wall special effect that reveals a hidden hellscape, according to a promo video for the house.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 June 2025
That the gaping hole is really just a matte painting — a special effect — doesn't lessen the suspense or the comedy.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 May 2025
Another special effect Clipchamp offers is video speedup and slowdown.
—PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025
Rather than the warm acoustical refinement of the famed Musikverein, the Vienna Philharmonic’s home, every orchestral utterance jumped out at the audience like a 3D special effect.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
Yes, late night shows do jokes about politics, but only SNL is comprised primarily of sketches with sets, costumes, and the occasional special effect.
—Al Franken, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Special effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20effect. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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