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
The design is simple yet effective, with zippered hand pockets, thumbholes, an adjustable hem, and a chin guard built into the hood.
—
Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
The problem comes when ideological casting choices begin to undermine the narrative, contravening Grisham’s famously effective structure and pacing.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
The film follows a recovering addict in an isolated Serbian monastery whose Orthodox patriarch employs unorthodox methods that are often more extreme than effective at getting results.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Stores, offices and industrial facilities are assessed at 25% of their market value in Cook County, while homes are assessed at 10%, resulting in commercial properties here paying some of the highest effective tax rates in the country.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
The problem comes when ideological casting choices begin to undermine the narrative, contravening Grisham’s famously effective structure and pacing.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
The film follows a recovering addict in an isolated Serbian monastery whose Orthodox patriarch employs unorthodox methods that are often more extreme than effective at getting results.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Stores, offices and industrial facilities are assessed at 25% of their market value in Cook County, while homes are assessed at 10%, resulting in commercial properties here paying some of the highest effective tax rates in the country.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
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For a more comfortable, energy-efficient home, a number of upgrades are available too.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
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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
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
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By the '90s, hip-hop cemented itself as a mainstream mainstay, and the artists' compelling music videos brought the culture to new heights.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Then there’s what’s inside the actual soup.—
Shindy Chen,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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This model ensures that the people most affected by these issues have actual input rather than just serving as inspirational case studies.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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The final debut group will be selected through real-time global voting during the live broadcast.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The geranium and the gingko tree yield data but no conclusive results.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
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But there are some good supporting turns, starting with Henry, Tony’s main Interpol contact, who appears from early episodes to be a good guy the leads are mistaking for a bad guy, although nothing is completely conclusive there right away.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Second, add a short factual reason that highlights value—not your worth as a person.—
Joyce Marter,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Reese wants to skip through the rebuilding process, but doing so has already put Chicago in a position in which building a stronger talent base is going to be much more difficult.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Speaking to the crowd before the march, Eve Devitt, an Idaho human rights activist, said that LGBTQ+ history is built on fighting for rights, which makes the community stronger.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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