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 However, more research is needed to determine if herbs are an effective treatment. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026 This entry provides an overview of the backlist and frontlist, the importance of effective list building, and the impact of technology on backlists and frontlists. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 Similarly, some research suggests methylone may be effective in treating PTSD, but no phase 3 clinical trials—large studies that confirm that medications work the way they are designed to and are safe—have been completed as of yet. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026 And to that end, AI companies are motivated to thoroughly profile users so ads become more effective and profitable. Brian Jay Tang, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • So what makes the cell go, what breathes life into the atomic arrangements, is the efficient removal of protons so that more protons will flow.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In 2023, AOMedia, whose members include Amazon, Apple, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Samsung, claimed that AV1 is 30 percent more efficient than HEVC.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most compelling moment of the 2026 NFL Draft came in the final round, when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back Eli Heidenreich and the pick was announced to the hometown crowd gathered at the event.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This one has persisted long enough to stand tall as arguably the most compelling of the 2020s.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But there is a point where the prediction shapes and manipulates the actual outcome.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • There are actual green onions, peppers, and lots of sausage in there.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Khanna’s reasoning—essentially, that the intense public interest in the files demands transparency and that the American public can be trusted to be judicious with unverified claims therein—is not very convincing.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • That reflects poorly on the players, but Rosenior did not provide any convincing answers.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In other words, these programs offer actresses real opportunities as well as scenes in which they’re seated at their dressing tables putting on diamond earrings while coping with a situation involving a DNA test.
    Libby Gelman-Waxner, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Each has hit a real scoring rhythm when their teams need them most.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The research is not conclusive on the use of GLP-1 and Alzheimer’s, but some preliminary data is encouraging.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Experts as a whole say more research is needed to give a conclusive answer about benefits and risks.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That's just not factual; here's what scientists really know.
    Zoe Mintz, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • In other words, the life-writer cannot take a doggedly factual approach that ignores a whole layer of emotional and imaginative experience.
    Sara Wheeler, Big Think, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Central bankers must be strong enough to listen to a diversity of views from all corners…humble enough to be open-minded to new ideas and new economic developments…wise enough to translate imperfect data into meaningful insight…and dedicated enough to make judgments faithfully and wisely.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The project increases Georgia’s already strong presence in the growing defense industry.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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