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
To be effective, members of Congress should possess the skills and experience to know how to deliver for the American people, and for the sake of the Nation as a whole.
—
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
By way of demonstrating his willingness to take on tough issues, LeBuhn, 37, cites his experience in Lightfoot’s City Hall, helping to spearhead the former mayor’s effort to end aldermanic prerogative, which gives aldermen effective veto power over most zoning decisions in their wards.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The most direct, effective way to hold officials accountable (or show support) is to vote.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Prioritizing teamwork and precision, the game is won through effective communication and pinpoint accuracy.
—Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effective
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
By way of demonstrating his willingness to take on tough issues, LeBuhn, 37, cites his experience in Lightfoot’s City Hall, helping to spearhead the former mayor’s effort to end aldermanic prerogative, which gives aldermen effective veto power over most zoning decisions in their wards.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The most direct, effective way to hold officials accountable (or show support) is to vote.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Prioritizing teamwork and precision, the game is won through effective communication and pinpoint accuracy.
—Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
-
The same principles can be used by engineers to develop technical systems that are robust, efficient and adaptable – just like biological solutions often are.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The organization would prefer the use of direct reduction furnaces, which GARD members claim is more efficient than blast furnaces and could be used to create iron for steelmaking in Northwest Indiana.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The minibar is a compelling decorative touch on its own, set inside a dedicated cupboard and features an array of local, gourmet snacks, antiqued wine and cocktail glasses, and an anniversary edition of the 1935 Illy espresso machine for your morning and afternoon coffees.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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As a means of generating its own conceptions of goodness that feel compelling to most human beings, its record is quite mixed, perhaps because that’s not what it was ever designed to do.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s no better time for a summer camp slasher to hit theaters than during actual summer.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
-
County leaders have contended their actual costs are $180 per day.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Experts say the rise of AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to fraud, allowing scammers to create convincing websites, clone official logos, and even replicate QR codes from legitimate sources.—
Maria Salette Ontiveros,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
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Andrews, who was not involved in the Kanzi study, said the results were convincing.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This maneuver required immense torque and real-time motion control to avoid collisions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Once Tyler and Beau got there to Victory Lane, right before the confetti popped and rained down and reminded Reddick that yes, this was real, and yes, Jordan was bear-hugging him, and yes, a childhood dream had come true — a new memory took place.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Atila found residues in seven different vessels but only obtained a conclusive result from one artifact excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon that dates from the second century.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
But the research isn’t conclusive.—
Adithi Ramakrishnan,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Court could also choose to remand the case for further proceedings, sending it back to a lower court to address any possible legal or factual errors.—
Dianne Gallagher,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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In its appeal, Woodland Park Communities argues the hearing examiner made legal and factual errors that resulted in an excessive and unauthorized penalty.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Among the recovered materials, dysprosium, ytterbium, and erbium are considered high-value due to strong demand and limited substitutes, while yttrium and gadolinium are widely used in electronics, lighting, and healthcare.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Paris Reuters — French wine and spirits exports fell last year to their lowest volume in at least 25 years as US tariffs and Chinese duties hit sales and a strong euro made some alcohol more expensive, industry group FEVS said on Tuesday, warning of no imminent relief.—
Reuters 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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