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
Because the knives’ large blades caused particularly bloody and gruesome injuries, many state legislatures banned them or imposed prohibitive taxes, the 7th Circuit panel said in its 2-1 decision. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 26 July 2026 Any small scraps left behind after cleaning can also cause sparks during cooking. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 July 2026
Noun
Many women spend years questioning their struggles and receiving treatment for anxiety or depression without addressing the root cause. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 July 2026 Earlier this month, Sánchez Bezos explored the turquoise waters of Fiji for a good cause. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 July 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
  • The letter argues that openness prevents lock-in and that concentrating capability creates single points of failure.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • But legal reforms have also made a huge difference, creating safety nets for women who previously had to depend on their husbands’ livelihoods.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Definition of create
Noun
  • The Royals have no reason to give up on their hard-throwing right-hander this season.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Jarvis has established himself as one of the best two-way wingers in the league for that exact reason.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Analyzing top player movement Changing schools is extremely common, with more than 17,000 athletes in Texas filling out a prior athletic participation form (PAPF) this past year, according to UIL executive director Jamie Harrison.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • Social media became a running chronicle of the movement, helping transform an exam grievance into a national conversation.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of movement
Verb
  • Chinese researchers say this approach could bring major economic benefits to the domestic yak industry.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • That, and the new wave of tariffs, brings fresh uncertainty to global trade again and poses potentially higher prices as importers deal with potentially higher levies.
    — Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026
Definition of bring
Noun
  • In many populations, obesity treatment also needs to be done in the context of socio-economic and family dynamics, with real support for the social determinants of health.
    — Bryan Sivak, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Sleep Tracking Sleep is one of the most powerful and most neglected determinants of longevity.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of determinant
Noun
  • Key issues central to Collins’ campaign are healthcare, education, property taxes, and government accountability, according to his website.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • On Friday night, the US appeared to pause its bombing campaign on Iran after nearly two weeks of consecutive nights of strikes.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Definition of campaign
Verb
  • The income tax currently generates about $9 billion a year, roughly two-thirds of the state’s general revenue.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • In terms of dollars spent and lives saved, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, has generated a stellar return on investment and a solid demonstration of soft power in Africa.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 25 July 2026
Definition of generate
Noun
  • Correlation does not imply causation, but World Cup years have tended to throw up memorable Tours de France in the 21st century.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • In an inherently inscrutable market full of noise and unclear causation investors love to look for the ghost in the machine.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of cause for Spanish Speakers

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