as in creates
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
1
as in determinants
someone or something responsible for a result
the much-debated causes of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in campaigns
a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal
joined the freedom fighters' cause as a young man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of causes
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
But nothing could ease the stress off him more quickly than a running game that invokes fear — any fear, just something that causes a team to actually react to play-action.
—Sam McDowell 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
In 2024, Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) was unsuccessful in her attempt to exclude defendants from qualifying from the program if they had been charged with child abuse and endangerment, domestic violence that causes great bodily harm or human trafficking.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Cross’s partner, Detective John Sampson, played by Isaiah Mustafa, makes an unexpected connection that causes yet another falling out between the best friends.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, and that failure directly causes an injury.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Defined by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a rare genetic disorder that causes a spectrum of neurodevelopment disorders, SYNGAP1 currently has no cure and often requires round-the-clock care.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Research shows that sleep deprivation causes hormonal changes that contribute to obesity.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
In still other moments today, local leaders and survivors plan to weigh in on the recovery process and call for accountability over the causes and responses to the blazes.
—David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
And the government’s insistence that Iranians must make sacrifices for distant causes breeds resentment rather than unity.
—Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
To be sure, Solidaire Network also supports other progressive organizations focused on racial and gender equality, as well as climate and economic justice causes.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Abuzir, 58, has been running for humanitarian causes since 2010.
—Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
The poppy became such a recognizable symbol for remembrance observances that veterans’ groups started selling paper replicas of the flowers to raise money for veterans’ causes.
—Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025
But that is only one of the causes, the consultants told CNN.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Fellow comedy legend Reiner, who played the wily Saul Bloom, died in June 2020 at age 98 from natural causes.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
How causes a plant to exit dormancy?
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
But nothing could ease the stress off him more quickly than a running game that invokes fear — any fear, just something that causes a team to actually react to play-action.
—Sam McDowell 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
In 2024, Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) was unsuccessful in her attempt to exclude defendants from qualifying from the program if they had been charged with child abuse and endangerment, domestic violence that causes great bodily harm or human trafficking.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Cross’s partner, Detective John Sampson, played by Isaiah Mustafa, makes an unexpected connection that causes yet another falling out between the best friends.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, and that failure directly causes an injury.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Defined by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a rare genetic disorder that causes a spectrum of neurodevelopment disorders, SYNGAP1 currently has no cure and often requires round-the-clock care.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Research shows that sleep deprivation causes hormonal changes that contribute to obesity.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
Their official causes of death are still pending further assessments, including toxicology reports.
—Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
In still other moments today, local leaders and survivors plan to weigh in on the recovery process and call for accountability over the causes and responses to the blazes.
—David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
And the government’s insistence that Iranians must make sacrifices for distant causes breeds resentment rather than unity.
—Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
To be sure, Solidaire Network also supports other progressive organizations focused on racial and gender equality, as well as climate and economic justice causes.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Abuzir, 58, has been running for humanitarian causes since 2010.
—Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
The poppy became such a recognizable symbol for remembrance observances that veterans’ groups started selling paper replicas of the flowers to raise money for veterans’ causes.
—Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025
But that is only one of the causes, the consultants told CNN.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Fellow comedy legend Reiner, who played the wily Saul Bloom, died in June 2020 at age 98 from natural causes.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for causes
Verb
-
The research team highlighted that this process creates ideal conditions for atmospheric water vapour to condense into droplets on the cooler surface, the way steam condenses on your bathroom mirror.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Frank creates this Charles Atlas golden god specifically to adore and satisfy him.—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Social determinants of health are the parts of ourselves and our environments that drive our health status.—
Jill Inderstrodt,
The Conversation,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Moore suggests focusing on the social determinants of health — providing stable housing and a strong education, for instance — in addition to intervention work.—
Cleo Krejci,
jsonline.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Singh urged jurors to view the protest within a broader historical context, comparing it to anti-apartheid divestment campaigns targeting South Africa.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Several lawmakers are also seeking higher office this year and will want time to focus on their campaigns.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
According to the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, the Florida horse industry generates nearly $7 billion in economic impact and contributes more than 240,000 jobs.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
-
County officials estimated the service generates about 700 riders a day currently, more than double the 300 riders a day its first month.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Why Atlas stood out at CES 2026 CNET pointed to Atlas’ humanlike walking ability and refined industrial design as key reasons for the award.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Even more dangerous are sudden movements in such instances.—
Dana Kelley,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Resisting Europe’s current trajectories through supporting patriotic European movements aims to restore civilizational confidence and true alliance vitality.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Our expert take The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card aims to brings premium restaurant rewards and travel benefits to users, including an annual hotel benefit of $300.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Dancing along to educational songs brings you and your kids closer together—and turns learning about their world into a fun game.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Goldie, like Bucephalus, seized the bit and galloped into the intoxicating world of knowing, of finding out, of discovering reasons and causations.—
Annie Proulx,
New Yorker,
10 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Causes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/causes. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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