cause 1 of 2

verb

Definition of causenext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cause

2 of 2

noun

ˈkȯz How to pronounce cause (audio)
1
as in reason
someone or something responsible for a result the much-debated causes of the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cause
Verb
This caused the boat to overturn, sending everyone into the water. — David Goodhue october 12, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 As a result, white bread can actually cause significant blood sugar spikes. — Trista Chan, HEALTH, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
Rodan-Benzaquen argued that Mélenchon's emphasis on Gaza and the Palestinian cause has helped bring together political constituencies that might otherwise have little in common. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 With the charm of Amal and George behind it, the evening found many a generous sponsor to support its cause, including Gucci, Microsoft, and Charlotte Tilbury. — Christie Grimm, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cause
  1. create
  2. reason
  3. movement
  4. bring
  5. determinant
  6. campaign
  7. generate
  8. causation
Verb
  • Federal forecasters warned that the former hurricane and its warm, humid gusts could create unstable air and general storm cells that would become vortexes.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The new, bipartisan legislation to expedite the construction of energy projects—and power the AI boom—is creating strange bedfellows and opponents.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of create
Noun
  • Here, Benavidez Clayton dives into the reasons behind BCI’s regenerative push, why social impact is a critical piece of the puzzle and how brands can get involved.
    — SJ Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a treasure, and a public good Arkansans have reason to support.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • At Lumalia Emmy Armstrong’s Holy Rage Retreats in the Oregon woods near Portland, small groups of women gather among the trees, expressing themselves through sound and movement.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of movement
Verb
  • Back at the hotel, the rooftop pool offers a welcome reset after a day exploring DTLA, while the gym is well-equipped and justifies bringing a set of workout clothes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • With production costs rising, broadcasters are also bringing partners together to finance new series and share the investment.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of bring
Noun
  • Use Multiple Data Points Wealth indicators provide a partial snapshot of an individual’s financial position and should not be the sole determinant of a donor’s capacity to make a significant gift.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Many of those outcomes can be attributed to social determinants of health, like affordability, care access and transportation.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of determinant
Noun
  • The Panthers’ early season power play woes continued, going 0 for 5 with the man advantage on Saturday to start the campaign 1 for 28 overall.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For Oscars, actors are often making a lot of appearances, making the process similar to a presidential campaign and more predictable, while BAFTA nominations seem more surprising to her, Ackie said.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of campaign
Verb
  • The Wildcats briefly generated momentum when defensive back Kenneth Anderson intercepted a Southwest pass at the Dunbar 31-yard line, but the Raiders quickly regained control.
    — Shiloh Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The machine generated about a dozen or so graphs, marked by human figures and bursts of colors that denoted energy fields, broken down by organ—and even tooth.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of generate
Noun
  • Amenity impacts are adjusted revenue associations, not guarantees or proof of causation.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • While correlation can never be confused with causation, major wealth creation events have historically been accompanied by significant increases in philanthropic activity.
    — Joe Crome, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of causation

Phrases Containing cause

Browse Nearby Words

causations
cause
cause célèbre
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Cite this Entry

“Cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cause. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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