EFFECTIVE Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

effective

adjective

i-ˈfek-tiv

Definition of effective next

as in efficient

producing or capable of producing a desired result an effective treatment of the once-dreaded disease gave an effective speech that won over many undecided voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in compelling

having the power to persuade made an effective argument in favor of the proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in actual

existing in fact and not merely as a possibility made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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effective communication

meaningful communication

persuasive communication

good communication

successful communication

essential communication

an effective tool

an useful tool

an efficient tool

a potent tool

a powerful tool

a viable tool

an effective dose

a sufficient dose

an adequate dose

a potent dose

a healthy dose

a significant dose

effective management

productive management

successful management

proper management

high-impact management

efficient management

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

Examples 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 Establish a maximum effective range and stick to it in the field. —

Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2024 There are also sliders for Anger and Surprise, which were surprisingly effective. —

PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 Though using diamond could be more effective and safer than using other particles, the price may not allow the feasibility of such diamond-tossing. —

Devika Rao, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024 Assassinations can elevate more radical or more effective leaders. —

Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for effective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective

Adjective

Google added a faster and more energy efficient processor and upped the RAM to 16 megabytes.

Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Step two: Seize the moment, in between chops and chants and CBS cutaways to Taylor Swift. Step three: Have Bo Nix deliver the most efficient outing in the biggest game of his NFL career.

Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024