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 But many national security experts say the deal, while not perfect, succeeded in its main goals of halting Iran's march toward proliferation and enabling effective monitoring of Tehran's nuclear activities. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 June 2026 According to Ian James, Team Principal of Jaguar TCS Racing, manufacturers have become remarkably effective at extracting efficiency from modern electric motors and batteries. James Morris, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with few effective treatment options once the disease spreads. Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 5 June 2026 Running can naturally lower blood pressure, but other forms of exercise may be as effective, or even more effective. Jenessa Connor, Health, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • With these gestures, Kokopeli pointed to technological manipulation, appropriation, and seriality as stock techniques drawn from the repertoire of contemporary art in the interest of efficient production.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The service, though less than efficient, is delivered with unfailing Midwestern goodwill; rooms are spartan but have pampering touches such as heated bathroom floors and beds as soft as ermine.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Australia’s west and east coasts offer two distinctly different, yet equally compelling, coastal experiences.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • The humor resulting from the combination of apparent authenticity, slick social media editing and a compelling mission has prompted speculation among onlookers about the band's true origin.
    Max Bacall , Tessa Hoyos , Nikos DeGruccio, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • That space was brought to life inside the Plaza’s actual theater, where the walls were repapered in gold, adding to the gold lame Austrian curtain onstage.
    Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
  • More affordable housing near transit with actual income targeting for the families already living here.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • For years, researchers suspected that a similar predator was responsible for the fossil fragments, but lacked a convincing candidate.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
  • My next cheese experience was a variation both comical and convincing.
    Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • As the federal government seeks to impose populism from above, pluralism from above is another real possibility.
    Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • The bar, Salon Salon, is a real destination drinking spot, though.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lemongrass May Have Blood Pressure-Lowering Effects Though far from conclusive, there is scant evidence that lemongrass may exert beneficial effects on your blood pressure.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 6 June 2026
  • Data from Zillow was less conclusive, finding that only five out of the 10 cities saw a median rent increase by more than Los Angeles' 29%.
    Lindsay Kornick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The judge reasoned that there remain factual disputes for jurors to weigh.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 June 2026
  • Plus, on an expressly factual level, any telling of American journalism in the early and mid 20th century that doesn’t include them—and more broadly, the real proportions of women working in the era—is a false telling.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • For dinner off the islet, the local fine dining scene is strong with options like Chef Duc’s Mango Rooms, and Mùa by Truc, which are all worth a visit.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • There will also be a strong north to south longshore current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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