Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective efficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective, effectual, and efficacious. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," 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

In what contexts can effective take the place of efficient?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficient?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Where would efficacious be a reasonable alternative to efficient?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

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 efficient Cares could easily slip away once walking through welcoming and efficient security. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 It's powered by the fast and efficient S10 chip and boasts tons of health, fitness, and lifestyle features, including GPS workout recording, ECG, sleep and cycle tracking, music, podcasts, and third-party app support. Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025 Without an accountant on staff, one of the most efficient ways to handle these responsibilities is by using accounting software. Mia Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2025 Today's dishwashers are much more efficient, using just 3 to 4 gallons of water per load. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for efficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient
Adjective
  • Seniors who participate in the AmeriCorps programs, for example, also are involved in different but related programs that may now be less effective because AmeriCorps dollars provided transportation or other services.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • Our tester found the Rubbermaid Reveal to be especially effective for detail cleaning in tight spaces like grout lines and corners.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • His obsession is with the innumerable recordings that have been issued in the past seventy-five years or so—a glorious panoply of changing musical taste that reflects the interplay of art and commerce in the most productive and wasteful culture the world has ever known.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • The really good, productive players have always been that way.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The moment for me in that scene that’s the most potent is actually not the poster.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2025
  • Those soft ticket sales suggest that nostalgia isn’t nearly as potent as Sony might have hoped when greenlighting the slasher sequel and reuniting the original 1998 film’s stars, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 20 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Efficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/efficient. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on efficient

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