special effects

plural noun

: visual or sound effects introduced into a movie, video recording, or taped television production

Examples of special effects in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Anderson’s expertise in blending special effects with live action continued throughout his career, including work on the 1969 film Doppelgänger, which was nominated for an Academy Award for special effects. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 9 July 2026

This chamber replicates a laboratory setting, showcasing special effects prosthetics, creature designs, makeup concept artwork, and artifacts from historical to contemporary science horror films. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

The data can be used for special effects work or as a reference for a video game artist creating a character around a performer. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

That version of Elgin, by the way, is on full display in the special effects makeup trailer. — Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special effects

• aftereffects
• interconnects
• affects
• aspects
• bisects
• collects
• connects
• corrects
• deflects
• detects
• directs
• dissects