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 Research shows that oral glutathione supplementation was effective in elevating reserve levels of GSH in the body which impacted immune function and levels of oxidative stress. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026 New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency effective Sunday at noon as the state braces for up to 20 inches of snowfall. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026 The Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced in a press release on Monday that Pritzker was retiring as executive chairman, effective immediately. Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Feb. 2026 For Van Der Beek, traditional treatment proved no more effective at staving off the inevitable than the alternatives. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • The same principles can be used by engineers to develop technical systems that are robust, efficient and adaptable – just like biological solutions often are.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The organization would prefer the use of direct reduction furnaces, which GARD members claim is more efficient than blast furnaces and could be used to create iron for steelmaking in Northwest Indiana.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The bank admitted that regulatory action is an overhang but said the stock remains too compelling to ignore.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Hicks was deferential to the Democratic candidates who have long served in public office and have compelling personal tales and the experience to take the helm of the state.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Because this is an actual converted home, no two rooms are exactly alike, though they have been divided into three categories based on size.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • And the medium, as you guys know, gives you an opportunity to really go deeper on issues and also to talk like an actual human being as opposed to a talking points machine.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These four novels create a convincing, wrenching, kaleidoscopic picture of the range and repetitions of the most fatal kind of love; the sort of love that allows nothing else to grow around it, that eradicates all dignity; a love which, in order to be completed, must be told.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The imitators are increasingly convincing, especially as AI image and video generators get better by the day.
    John Whyte, STAT, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This maneuver required immense torque and real-time motion control to avoid collisions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Once Tyler and Beau got there to Victory Lane, right before the confetti popped and rained down and reminded Reddick that yes, this was real, and yes, Jordan was bear-hugging him, and yes, a childhood dream had come true — a new memory took place.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But the research isn’t conclusive.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Below, a drill-down on Banijay’s biggest drama plays at the Screenings and a selection of factual shows and formats.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
  • However, such information, while factual, is inappropriate for sports commentary due to its length.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The sport, therefore, has a strong relationship with the military, with troops in such environments regularly skinning up mountains before skiing back down.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Officers reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the driver, later identified as Lisboa.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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