Synonyms of cause

cause 1 of 2

verb

as in to create

to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

the ice storm caused a massive power outage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• create
• bring
• generate
• prompt
• produce
• do
• work
• induce
• spawn
• yield
• effect
• make
• invoke
• effectuate
• result (in)
• bring about
• catalyze
• draw on
• translate (into)
• encourage
• found
• promote
• give rise to
• introduce
• breed
• beget
• engender
• occasion
• bring forth
• bring on
• contribute (to)
• initiate
• determine
• inaugurate
• establish
• launch
• begin
• pioneer
• develop
• start
• decide
• foster
• institute
• render
• cultivate
• further
• conduce (to)
• set up
• forward
• enact
• advance
• set
• turn out
• father
• nurture
• innovate
• nourish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• limit
• impede
• restrict
• suppress
• stifle
• quell
• subdue
• quash
• control
• dampen
• crush
• inhibit
• check
• restrain
• smother
• curb
• repress
• put down
• retard
• arrest
• kill
• can
• destroy
• rein (in)
• squelch
• crack down (on)
• squash
• still
• abolish
• clamp down (on)
• extinguish
• liquidate
• quench
• demolish
• snuff (out)

cause

2 of 2

noun

ˈkȯz 

1

as in reason

someone or something responsible for a result

the much-debated causes of the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reason
• determinant
• causation
• source
• causality
• antecedent
• occasion
• consideration
• factor
• origin
• impetus
• incentive
• mother
• stimulus
• root
• instigation
• inspiration
• spring
• be-all and end-all
• alpha and omega

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• effect
• result
• issue
• development
• consequence
• product
• outcome
• fruit
• sequence
• fate
• resultant
• aftermath
• outgrowth
• corollary
• sequel
• upshot
• end
• conclusion
• aftereffect
• ramification
• repercussion
• side effect
• denouement
• by-product

2

as in movement

a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal

joined the freedom fighters' cause as a young man

Synonyms & Similar Words

• movement
• campaign
• push
• crusade
• drive
• project
• initiative
• attack
• march
• juggernaut
• blitz
• bandwagon
• bid
• assault
• mission
• maneuver
• offensive
• action
• undertaking
• enterprise

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cause

Verb

Since then researchers have discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus, which is known to cause cancers such as nasal pharyngeal cancers and some forms of lymphoma, is also linked to some stomach cancers and some rarer lymphomas, Clifford says. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

Extra body weight is a risk factor for high blood sugar and fat buildup in the liver, which can impair function and cause inflammation. — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, HEALTH, 28 Sep. 2026

Noun

While hair thinning and shedding can be distressing, determining the underlying causes can help slow down, stop or even reverse certain types of hair loss. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

The cause and manner of death remain pending further studies and investigation, the spokesperson said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing cause

• cause celebre
• cause célèbre
• make common cause