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 Hauser was the Celtics’ most efficient 3-point shooter during the regular season (team-best 41.6% from beyond the arc) but has been quiet this postseason. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025 Falling pregnant, as the British so elegantly put it, was—for me—a surprisingly efficient affair. Anonymous, Vogue, 10 May 2025 The Air Force originally hoped the existing silos that have housed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles could be adapted to launch Sentinel missiles, which would be more efficient than digging entirely new silos. ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025 Vaporizers, such as the Pax 3 or Storz & Bickel Mighty, allow for clean, efficient, and odor-free consumption. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for efficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient
Adjective
  • Building effective dashboards requires moderate Notion skills but minimal ongoing maintenance.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • But the past has shown external pressure – especially from Washington – can be effective.
    Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Extending ovarian function could help businesses retain experienced female talent during their most productive years. 2.
    Samantha Walravens, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The opportunity to make seeds more productive, and crops more nutritious either by improving seeds or doing food fortification by adding some micronutrients in later—that’s super important work.
    Alice Park, Time, 8 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

Cite this Entry

“Efficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/efficient. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on efficient

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