Definition of effectivenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective effective contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effective are effectual, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When can effectual be used instead of effective?

The words effectual and effective can be used in similar contexts, but effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When could efficacious be used to replace effective?

The words efficacious and effective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Where would efficient be a reasonable alternative to effective?

While in some cases nearly identical to effective, efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

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 effective Of course, there are more effective solutions for trouble-proofing your Fourth of July. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Over time, filters become less effective at removing sediment, impurities, and lingering tastes from your water supply. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026 While both Bateman and Feinstein said effective gutting of the office could play a role in the increase in complaints, Feinstein there are other factors at play as well. Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026 While effective for many, the rule may not address underlying medical issues causing poor sleep, which require clinical evaluation. Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • But radically different approaches to AI hardware are being pursued today that may prove to be orders of magnitude more power-efficient.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Swimming is metabolically the least expensive (near-neutral buoyancy needs no energy to support bodies), flying costs more, and running is the least efficient mode of animal and human locomotion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ellroy’s latest is another compelling entry in his ongoing project.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • The Best Opportunities Look Worst Near Maximum Value Opportunity often feels least attractive when the valuation is most compelling.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Everything from the casting (male dancers, internet faves, and very few actual models) to the scenery (a 191-year-old venue with plenty of stained glass) to the ambiance (candlelit, with lots of bows and florals) embodied the brand's quintessential mix of romance, community, and nostalgia.
    Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 26 June 2026
  • The idea that all the employees would gear up for a really, really busy night, only to be hit with no-shows and cancellations due to inclement weather, is probably something that happens in actual eateries all the time.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • During its convincing 3-0 win over Haiti, which followed a 1-1 draw with Morocco, Brazil lost one of its top forwards when Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
  • The Remi cover at the very end took a bit more convincing.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • But what if the real story is something much bigger?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • The investment bank was less enthusiastic about gold as a hedge, noting that higher real yields and a stronger dollar have weighed on bullion prices, while gold options have become relatively expensive compared with equity and rates derivatives.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • However, a three-judge panel selected for a legal assessment of the findings found that the investigation was not conclusive enough.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 June 2026
  • Bartošák-Harlow said there's no conclusive evidence of who has and who has not paid a toll in the past, and there wasn't any sort of record, adding that companies should not be paying a toll for passage through an international waterway.
    Tom Bowman, NPR, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The prior Minnesota Anti-SLAPP law required that the court make certain pre-trial factual findings which was held to violate the right to a jury trial.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Currently in pre-production and without a sales agent, the project carries strong environmental timeliness and a genuinely global geographic canvas that should attract factual commissioners.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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