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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For

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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 The Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University in Detroit has awarded U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, its annual award for effective legislative oversight. —

Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024 Towns has the best effective shooting rate of his career, and his penchant for drawing out and manipulating bigs is particularly fun to watch. —

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 An initial Google search didn’t yield much, but Wilde ultimately happened upon a 2012 study out of Germany that suggested wool—which is high in nitrogen, nearly devoid of phosphorus, and low in potassium—was an effective fertilizer for tomatoes. —

Lindsey King, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 This means that all things being equal (the two parties are equally unified, equally effective at turning out their voters and equally effective at winning independents), Democrats are now disadvantaged in statewide elections here. —

Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for effective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective

Adjective

And heat pumps are highly efficient, which means less electricity is needed to use them than traditional heating systems like fossil fuel furnaces and boilers.

Julia Simon, NPR, 25 Dec. 2024
In fact, as dish soap has become more regulated and safer over the years, thanks to the elimination of phosphates and other harsh chemicals from most formulations, its high-performing capabilities have become available to more and more areas of the home for safe, efficient cleaning.

Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024