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
1
as in conclusiveness
the capacity to persuade
the "guilty" verdict was all the proof needed of the effectiveness of the prosecutor's closing argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in efficacy
the power to produce a desired result
the huge upsurge in sales pretty much demonstrated the effectiveness of the new ad campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect
your writing lacks effectiveness because practically every sentence is in the passive voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of effective
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Aug. 2025
But the Trump tariffs mark a historic shift to an effective national sales tax.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
To help increase the chances of a sale, 20 Forbes Business Council members share tips to help leaders ensure a successful business exit, as well as why these strategies are effective.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Italian luxury house Valentino confirmed chief executive officer Jacopo Venturini stepped down earlier this week, SJ’s sister publication WWD reported, after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his employment and board positions, effective Aug. 13.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Adjective
Vaccines are about 80 percent effective in the first year at preventing lower respiratory tract disease.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 26 Aug. 2025
But the Trump tariffs mark a historic shift to an effective national sales tax.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
To help increase the chances of a sale, 20 Forbes Business Council members share tips to help leaders ensure a successful business exit, as well as why these strategies are effective.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Italian luxury house Valentino confirmed chief executive officer Jacopo Venturini stepped down earlier this week, SJ’s sister publication WWD reported, after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his employment and board positions, effective Aug. 13.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
-
For example studies by PWC and Experian showed more efficient budgeting with around 20% savings.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Such extensive reuse is a core part of SpaceX's vision to make spaceflight cheaper and more efficient.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The interview is alternately boring and compelling, offering a glimpse into an insular world of privilege and entitlement.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
30 Aug. 2025
-
But where Enys Men — the story of a woman alone on an island who sees visions from previous centuries — is a series of scenes without much forward momentum, Rose of Nevada has compelling elements of suspense.—
Caryn James,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The debate arose over whether there is a substantive, or actual action, required to enact the goals of the NDC.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
But the House budget would also include actual reductions in the size of the state workforce, not just bringing funding into closer alignment with the actual number of state employees who have been hired and are working.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to their individual benefits, these ingredients work together to boost the efficacy of other products in your routine and leave skin soft, supple, and radiant.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
24 Aug. 2025
-
The group reviews the safety and efficacy of vaccines and helps to establish vaccine schedules to control the spread of infectious diseases.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
Freep.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The missile's ultimate impact on the war may depend on the shifting tides of diplomacy, especially if U.S. President Donald Trump succeeds in initiating peace talks.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The first agreement, for improvements of Pabst Farms Boulevard between Village Lane and Sawyer Road based on a traffic impact assessment, formalizes a plan in which Pabst Farms Development and Costco will pay for road costs.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
All contribute to a convincing business vision and clear investment thesis that internal and external stakeholders can understand and convey.—
Noah Barsky,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The Dream picked up a nice national TV win in San Francisco on Sunday, knocking off the Golden State Valkyries with a convincing third-quarter blitz.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
She is next slated to appear in the boxing drama Christy, based on the life of real professional pugilist Christy Martin.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Reducing recidivism starts with real support: jobs, housing, and care.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The son of LeBron James, Bronny has heard the nepotism criticisms ever since getting a shot at the NBA, and to be quite frank, some of that has some validity to it.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
-
So, does this completely overhaul the validity of having romantic preferences?—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
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