EFFICACIOUS Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'efficacious' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficacious are effective , effectual , and efficient . While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. // a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Q: When is 'effective' a more appropriate choice than 'efficacious'?

In some situations, the words effective and efficacious are roughly equivalent. However, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. // an effective rebuttal

Q: When would 'effectual' be a good substitute for 'efficacious'?

Although the words effectual and efficacious have much in common, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. // the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Q: When can 'efficient' be used instead of 'efficacious'?

While the synonyms efficient and efficacious are close in meaning, 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

efficacious

adjective

ˌe-fə-ˈkā-shəs

Definition of efficacious next

as in efficient

producing or capable of producing a desired result taking a cookie break while studying is one of the most efficacious ways of rejuvenating the mind that I have ever discovered

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How does the adjective efficacious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficacious are effective, effectual, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

When is effective a more appropriate choice than efficacious?

In some situations, the words effective and efficacious are roughly equivalent. However, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficacious?

Although the words effectual and efficacious have much in common, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When can efficient be used instead of efficacious?

While the synonyms efficient and efficacious are close in meaning, 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

Examples of efficacious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Caledonian Road is a superb state-of-the-nation novel, the finest in many years, but what finally matters is its efficacious literary genealogy. —

Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024 Instead, Masterson explains that every product in the range (aside from the SPF) was formulated specifically to be mixed together, without diminishing how efficacious each product is. —

Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 13 June 2024 The use of bacteria to destroy PFAS compounds is both efficacious and cost-effective, the group’s research showed. —

Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 While Schneider recognizes the appeal of the gummy format, launching one would rely heavily on creating a version that is both sugar-free and as efficacious as a tablet or capsule. —

Emily Burns, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for efficacious

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'efficacious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.