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

The film was lauded for its deft balance of human drama, convincing historical detail, and special effects. — Matt Alt, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

Writer-directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson wanted the fisherwoman’s husband to be created practically, rather than with special effects. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Being on location and doing as many practical effects versus special effects is important to the directors. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Chris Korvold, Academy Award winner for special effects, was then tasked with bringing it to life. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 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