Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective effectual contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effectual are effective, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When can effective be used instead of effectual?

The synonyms effective and effectual are sometimes interchangeable, but effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When could efficacious be used to replace effectual?

The meanings of efficacious and effectual largely overlap; however, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

In what contexts can efficient take the place of effectual?

Although the words efficient and effectual have much in common, 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

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 effectual Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas? Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024 Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. USA Today, 8 Dec. 2022 The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change. Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022 For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers. Glamour, 26 May 2022 The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual. Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021 The work continues—certainly more effectual, if not louder, than the sound bites. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2020 The most that can be decisively taken from all this is that the factors that render radical action productive or counterproductive, effectual or ineffectual, are complex. Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 30 May 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effectual
Adjective
  • Airlines, including United, are working with the FAA to address the issues and ensure safe and efficient air travel.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Regular interaction expands potential deal flow and positions you as a credible and efficient buyer, capable of quickly responding when attractive opportunities arise.
    Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • About 50% of Connecticut’s Medicaid expenses in most program areas are covered through federal reimbursement, which would make the effective annual cost to the state about $137.5 million.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025
  • Brown accounted for four of those free-throw attempts, and the rest came from Boston’s effective bench, with Pritchard, Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis making all eight of their first-half freebies.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Fans from America to Europe to Australia bought his books and flocked to his one-man shows, and his potent doses of humor and hard truth enthralled both the highborn and the humble.
    Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • Fentanyl — a potent and deadly opioid laced into seven out of 10 pills seized by officers — wasn’t out on the street.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effectual. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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