1
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result
an effective treatment of the once-dreaded disease gave an effective speech that won over many undecided voters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made an effective argument in favor of the proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The worldwide rights deal follows Citizen Vigilante effective ban in Germany, where it was denied a rating due to concerns that its violent content could incite violence against immigrants.
—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2026
In several cases, the scientists noted that effective FDA therapies already exist for many of the conditions in question, like insomnia, psoriasis or eczema.
—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
Anua has been taking the skin care industry by storm and has hooked shoppers and celebrities alike with its effective, affordable products.
—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
30 June 2026
Research may finally have an answer that’s both effective and realistic.
—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for effective
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2026
In several cases, the scientists noted that effective FDA therapies already exist for many of the conditions in question, like insomnia, psoriasis or eczema.
—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
30 June 2026
Anua has been taking the skin care industry by storm and has hooked shoppers and celebrities alike with its effective, affordable products.
—
Olivia Dubyak,
InStyle,
30 June 2026
Research may finally have an answer that’s both effective and realistic.
—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
-
But the Idaho side never found the back of the net again while Knoxville proved lethally efficient with its limited opportunities.
-
One of the greatest changes is that the second-gen model has a hybrid powertrain option for drivers who want an efficient midsize hybrid SUV.
Adjective
-
Ellroy’s latest is another compelling entry in his ongoing project.
-
The Best Opportunities Look Worst Near Maximum Value Opportunity often feels least attractive when the valuation is most compelling.
Adjective
-
Countrywide, wine, beer, spirits and other newer forms of alcohol are categorized according to beverage type and are taxed often regardless of actual alcohol content or other states’ policies.
-
This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
Adjective
-
Any platform, from Zoom to Microsoft, can be compatible with scammers utilizing deepfakes, fake profiles or convincing backgrounds such as an FBI seal.
-
Instead of abstract phishing examples, show employees how much of their own digital footprint is publicly available and how easily fraudsters can turn it into a convincing fake profile, email or message.
Adjective
-
But the real irony is that the British have teamed up with the Indigenous Seneca population, who loathe the French.
-
All her friends and family have tried to convince her this is not a real situation and she is being scammed.
Adjective
-
That kind of research is less conclusive than clinical trials that follow subjects over time to create new and theoretically more reliable data that can do more to prove cause and effect.
-
But, again, is acting out of expediency and the desire to streamline a conclusive end the same as delivering a final season representing the best of The Bear?
Adjective
-
Award-winning factual producer Proper Content is set to shutter amid tough market conditions.
-
Sotomayor, writing for the liberal justices, accused the majority of cutting the litigation short and argued that unresolved factual questions should have been returned to the lower courts.
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.
-
Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
