EFFICIENT Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

efficient

adjective

i-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of efficient next

as in effective

producing or capable of producing a desired result that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard

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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

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Recent Examples of efficient The move is the first step in the broader multiyear effort to convert the state’s turnpike system to a cashless toll road that is both safer and more efficient. —

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 Utah State shot 11-for-21 from three against Boise State, while New Mexico was an efficient 7-for-15. —

Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2025 That makes this an efficient, effective routine to slot into your day. —

Jenny McCoy, C.p.t., SELF, 23 Jan. 2025 Samsung says OneUI 7 is built on an entirely new framework and is far more efficient than early versions. —

PCMAG, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for efficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient

Adjective

Bag charms became pretty popular last year, and that’s a gentler, but effective expression of that kind of whimsy.

— Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 23 Jan. 2025
In other words, eating these greens raw is the most effective method.

— Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025