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

It was initially thought to be a curiosity, a firework or a special effect, until Song-dynasty arms dealers started using it to make fire arrows and other military explosives. — Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

Paul Thomas Anderson calls her the best special effect of the year, in a humoristic, complimentary way, of course. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026

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

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

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

Another special effect Clipchamp offers is video speedup and slowdown. — PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for special effect

• aftereffect
• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct