1
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result
an effective treatment of the once-dreaded disease gave an effective speech that won over many undecided voters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made an effective argument in favor of the proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of effective
If medications aren't effective, other options may include Botox injections into the bladder wall or nerve stimulation therapy.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
The human body holds several effective hiding spots that some of the world's nastiest viruses have discovered - like the eyes and the testes - that are beyond the reach of the immune system.
—NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
The Mavericks faced some significant public criticism over this decision, with many arguing Flagg would be more effective as an off-ball slasher.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The sleeps are short but effective.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
The human body holds several effective hiding spots that some of the world's nastiest viruses have discovered - like the eyes and the testes - that are beyond the reach of the immune system.
—NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
The Mavericks faced some significant public criticism over this decision, with many arguing Flagg would be more effective as an off-ball slasher.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The sleeps are short but effective.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
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As tinted denim becomes more mainstream, mills are developing ways to make the process more efficient.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Oct. 2025
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Regularly vacuuming is one of the most efficient ways to prevent and get rid of carpet beetles.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This week, the dramatic collapse of plans for Barcelona to play a La Liga game against Villarreal in Miami — first reported by The Athletic — added extra spice to the compelling and captivating Clasico.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And never mind that there is an actual anti-fascist movement, not only in Europe, but one that’s existed in the United States.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
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The sled, which is later recovered from the water, allows engineers to evaluate the system’s performance and stress tolerance without risking an actual aircraft.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The increasing accessibility of convincing deepfakes has alarmed some observers.—
Nikita Ostrovsky,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
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But Bentonville, Arkansas, makes a convincing case for the crown.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Sometimes, though, the homeowners and their stories are truly the real treasure.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
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The film, which includes the real audio of Hind Rajab before her death, has attracted several high-profile supporters, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuaron, and Jonathan Glazer.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement What the NFL changed to reduce injuries In recent years, as research about CTE has become more conclusive, some sports leagues have begun to concede that head impacts are a problem.—
Alana Semuels,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Rather, her photos, documents and collages point to the extreme paucity of surviving evidence and the utter impossibility of a cohesive, factual narrative.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
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According to Bower’s account, Halligan did not identify any factual inaccuracy in the report.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Rockets big man Alperen Şengün was limited to 5-of-18 shooting after a strong season opener in Oklahoma City.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Smith cited a strong support network for transgender students on campus during her appearance.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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