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effective

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of effective

1 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 for effective

Words Related to effective

Near Antonyms for effective

counterproductive

Antonyms for effective

2 having the power to persuade

made an effective argument in favor of the proposal

Synonyms for effective

Words Related to effective

Near Antonyms for effective

feeble,
weak

Antonyms for effective

3 existing in fact and not merely as a possibility

made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output

Synonyms for effective

Words Related to effective

Near Antonyms for effective

virtual

Antonyms for effective

Frequently Asked Questions About effective

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