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
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Recent Examples of effective
If medications aren't effective, other options may include Botox injections into the bladder wall or nerve stimulation therapy.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
The human body holds several effective hiding spots that some of the world's nastiest viruses have discovered - like the eyes and the testes - that are beyond the reach of the immune system.
—NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
The Mavericks faced some significant public criticism over this decision, with many arguing Flagg would be more effective as an off-ball slasher.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The sleeps are short but effective.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2025
The human body holds several effective hiding spots that some of the world's nastiest viruses have discovered - like the eyes and the testes - that are beyond the reach of the immune system.
—NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
The Mavericks faced some significant public criticism over this decision, with many arguing Flagg would be more effective as an off-ball slasher.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The sleeps are short but effective.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
-
Chief Deputy Greg Tabor said the smaller size of the pods allows for more efficient operation of the entire Detention Center space and help mitigate overcrowding.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
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Proponents of the shake method swear that shaking out your laundry will prevent tangling, make drying more efficient, and reduce wrinkles in the process.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Department stores still have to make a compelling case for consumers to come back.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
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North Carolina is renowned for its music, creativity, and breathtaking mountain views, but its large-scale artworks offer another compelling reason to visit the state.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The actual culling is reserved for licensed hunters and local hunting associations, some of whom do it recreationally or as a part-time job.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Of course, the actual plot of Daisy Jones & the Six bears only a passing resemblance to the Fleetwood Mac story.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Broncos, meanwhile, are riding one of the least convincing six-game winning streaks in recent memory.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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In reality, bringing the real-life husband and wife together on screen required some convincing.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This was a golden age for these guys, ten years before Giuliani and any kind of real government crackdown, and a few years after Coppola’s Godfather.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The situation for Ridge Holland, who also uses his real name Luke Menzies, has reportedly worsened.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Researchers further explain that the discovery of microscopic deformation features in quartz provides conclusive proof that the Jinlin crater was formed by an asteroid impact.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement What the NFL changed to reduce injuries In recent years, as research about CTE has become more conclusive, some sports leagues have begun to concede that head impacts are a problem.—
Alana Semuels,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Headquartered in London, Longwave will focus on factual content for the global TV market across all unscripted genres – from investigative series, factual entertainment formats through to human interest stories.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
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This factual omission extended as well to his professional life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
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But despite strong technical progress, widespread adoption remains challenging due to cost, infrastructure demands, and limited technological maturity.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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