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

Discreet special effects were later added across both strands, from a shattering mirror in the live-action footage to subtle cigarette smoke woven into individual stills, with the aim of making the photo sections feel as real as the filmed world. —Lise Pedersen, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025

Despite the anodyne cinematography, special effects that look rinky-dink compared to Oppenheimer, and a color palette more suited to an episode of The A-Team than serious cinema, the movie really scared me. —Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025

George Lucas, the legendary filmmaker behind Star Wars, revolutionized Hollywood with his imaginative storytelling, pioneering special effects, and bold approach to franchise filmmaking. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Nov. 2025

After the heart-to-heart with the dog, Harmon de-ages and transforms into Austin Stowell's younger version of the character thanks to some special effects. —Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

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