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
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That juxtaposition starts with the Santos family and their team, who create the attractions, costumes, lighting, and special effects. Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026 But, though the special effects are killer, what makes the show click is its suspenseful melancholy, as quiet scenes build to jolts so intense that the whole audience screamed. Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 David helped with a connection with Garner Holt Productions, which designs animated figures, show systems and special effects for major theme parks worldwide. Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 But globs of liquid mercury worked just fine to show the melting shards coming together, even though its toxicity meant the special effects crew had to wear protective gear over the two-day shoot. ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for special effects

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special effects was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“Special effects.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20effects. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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