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

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 efficient This eliminates confusion and maximizes efficient collaboration. —

Rachel Curry, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024 Smith was again efficient, passing for 233 yards and one touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on 24-for-30 through the air. —

Fox News Staff, Fox News, 11 Dec. 2024 Eden says that the creators take over from there, but having a robot get the ball rolling is remarkably efficient, resulting in at least one $1,000 tip from a conversation initiated by AI. —

Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024 In the home department, save on efficient vacuums and other powerful cleaning gadgets from Dyson, iRobot, Shark, and Bissell. —

Isabel Garcia, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for efficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient

Adjective

Choosing high-end, effective devices can elevate a clinic’s reputation — but incorporating low-quality technologies can have the opposite effect.

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
West Virginia’s pilot program is a microcosm of the dilemma posed by new obesity drugs that are at once effective and shockingly expensive.

Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024