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 Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 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. 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 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
  • 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
  • If someone is forced to fight an attacker, the officer said the most effective targets are the eyes, throat and groin.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Broadleaf herbicides are effective, too, and fall is the best time to apply them.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Theodore and Hanifin are a potent one-two punch.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The first of these is the 2002 Turbo (expected to sell for between $115,000 to $165,000), a potent two-door that helped BMW realize there was customer interest in higher-trim performance models.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Effectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effectual. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effectual

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