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
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
The city is now asking its residents to change the mayoral terms to a four-year term, which would become effective in 2027.
—
Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
The study found that only 8 of 47 safety features tested were fully effective, and internal documents suggest that Meta was aware of some shortcomings.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
But modern dentists are skeptical as to how effective this practice actually is at improving oral health.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
However, no effective plan has ever been implemented to definitively solve the city’s transit crises.
—Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
The study found that only 8 of 47 safety features tested were fully effective, and internal documents suggest that Meta was aware of some shortcomings.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
But modern dentists are skeptical as to how effective this practice actually is at improving oral health.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
However, no effective plan has ever been implemented to definitively solve the city’s transit crises.
—Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
-
But what a response — a performance full of waspish pressing, muscular defending and precise, efficient counters.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The offense was efficient in the pass game with four Dak Prescott passing touchdowns, and the run game success continued behind Javonte Williams’ 135 yards and two total touchdowns.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This new Taiwanese series looks compelling.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 Oct. 2025
-
That's what makes the minerals Perseverance spotted — particularly greigite in the leopard spots — so compelling.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Since some people recover from listeriosis without medical attention and never get tested, the CDC estimates that the actual number of people ill is probably substantially higher than reported, and that the outbreak may not be restricted to the states shown below.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
For a 2022 trip to Egypt for the COP27 conference, the budget accounted for $90,000 in airfare costs, but actual credit card expenses were at least $200,000.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Bulls, now younger and without convincing direction, are continuing to seek identity.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The 8 x 60’ series will be shot in Ireland and Hamilton, Ontario, which Donovan described as a convincing stand-in for 1920s Chicago.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
And though there’s no doubt the Panthers don’t bring the same television audience as the Toronto Maple Leafs or the New York Rangers or even the rebuilding Blackhawks, the buzz in South Florida is very real.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The concept envisions drones flying ahead of vehicles to provide drivers with real-time views of the terrain.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In this framework, the new recommendations are actively harmful, and not grounded in conclusive research.—
Dr. Sunny Patel,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The publication also noted that despite there being no conclusive evidence that Assata was directly to blame for the death of Foerster, New Jersey law stated that everyone involved was equally responsible for the murder.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Evaluating defamation claims where the report contains demonstrably false factual assertions.—
Tim Reynolds,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
-
MagellanTV has a streaming content offering that ranges across the history, nature, science, space and true crime genres, and a library of premium factual documentaries offered to consumers turning to streaming TV options.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In fact, while vision isn’t their strongest sense, dogs may even be able to see certain aspects of a TV show.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The young right-hander put together a strong season, but few were better after the All-Star break.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share