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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 Yes, the loss of 2024 All-Pro second-team cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) will be significant, however, an effective pass rush can always help out the back end. Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 Boutte was the most productive and effective pass-catcher with 103 yards. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 That may tilt innovation toward specialty drugs or technologies with high launch prices and away from improvements that serve broader needs, such as more effective use of existing therapies or widely accessible diagnostics. Zeynep Hasgül, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025 Neither Novo's pill nor Lilly's oral drug are as effective as Zepbound. Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • For a more comfortable, energy-efficient home, a number of upgrades are available too.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Today, the most efficient way to earn that trust is to let AI amplify your story with an authentic touch.
    Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program has been active since 2010, compelling more than 8,000 facilities and suppliers in the United States to report their climate pollution every year, and uses the data to help shape rules to reduce the amount of pollution in the air.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • For a daily driver, the third-generation Leaf is rather compelling, especially the S+, although the lack of heated front seats in that model might be too much of a deal-breaker, considering how important seat heaters are to EV efficiency in winter.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the latest episode on his YouTube channel SciShow is all about knitting, and how science is elevating the lowly craft to a place of actual importance.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That the engagement news is more important than the actual wedding.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Moreno said Echevarría’s lawyers failed to provide convincing evidence that Expedia Group facilitated the bookings and that the holding company could not be held liable for the actions of its subsidiary.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their good cop-bad cop ploy doesn’t seem to be particularly convincing or even fear-inspiring to the suspects of the congregation.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meeting these expectations has put real strain on automotive retail, challenging dealers to know when to rely on intelligent tools—and when to step in with human expertise.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The final debut group will be selected through real-time global voting during the live broadcast.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The findings were intriguing, but not conclusive.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Trans athletes and their advocates, meanwhile, say there is a lack of consistent, conclusive research to support this claim and argue trans people deserve the right to compete with their peers.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Johnson, a San Francisco Chronicle reporter who covered the fire, served as a consultant on the film to ensure factual accuracy.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Second, add a short factual reason that highlights value—not your worth as a person.
    Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington counts Qatar as a strong Gulf ally.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The audio-streaming platform has amassed a sizable free cash flow due to its strong revenue growth, a figure that has been boosted by the company's swelling active user base in recent financial quarters.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

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