1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective effective contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effective are effectual, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When can effectual be used instead of effective?

The words effectual and effective can be used in similar contexts, but effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When could efficacious be used to replace effective?

The words efficacious and effective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Where would efficient be a reasonable alternative to effective?

While in some cases nearly identical to effective, 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 effective The design is simple yet effective, with zippered hand pockets, thumbholes, an adjustable hem, and a chin guard built into the hood. Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025 The problem comes when ideological casting choices begin to undermine the narrative, contravening Grisham’s famously effective structure and pacing. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 The film follows a recovering addict in an isolated Serbian monastery whose Orthodox patriarch employs unorthodox methods that are often more extreme than effective at getting results. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 Stores, offices and industrial facilities are assessed at 25% of their market value in Cook County, while homes are assessed at 10%, resulting in commercial properties here paying some of the highest effective tax rates in the country. A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • For a more comfortable, energy-efficient home, a number of upgrades are available too.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Today, the most efficient way to earn that trust is to let AI amplify your story with an authentic touch.
    Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program has been active since 2010, compelling more than 8,000 facilities and suppliers in the United States to report their climate pollution every year, and uses the data to help shape rules to reduce the amount of pollution in the air.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • For a daily driver, the third-generation Leaf is rather compelling, especially the S+, although the lack of heated front seats in that model might be too much of a deal-breaker, considering how important seat heaters are to EV efficiency in winter.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the latest episode on his YouTube channel SciShow is all about knitting, and how science is elevating the lowly craft to a place of actual importance.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That the engagement news is more important than the actual wedding.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Moreno said Echevarría’s lawyers failed to provide convincing evidence that Expedia Group facilitated the bookings and that the holding company could not be held liable for the actions of its subsidiary.
    Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their good cop-bad cop ploy doesn’t seem to be particularly convincing or even fear-inspiring to the suspects of the congregation.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meeting these expectations has put real strain on automotive retail, challenging dealers to know when to rely on intelligent tools—and when to step in with human expertise.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The final debut group will be selected through real-time global voting during the live broadcast.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The geranium and the gingko tree yield data but no conclusive results.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But there are some good supporting turns, starting with Henry, Tony’s main Interpol contact, who appears from early episodes to be a good guy the leads are mistaking for a bad guy, although nothing is completely conclusive there right away.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Johnson, a San Francisco Chronicle reporter who covered the fire, served as a consultant on the film to ensure factual accuracy.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Second, add a short factual reason that highlights value—not your worth as a person.
    Joyce Marter, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington counts Qatar as a strong Gulf ally.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The audio-streaming platform has amassed a sizable free cash flow due to its strong revenue growth, a figure that has been boosted by the company's swelling active user base in recent financial quarters.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!