special effect

noun

: an image or sound that is created in television, radio, or movies to represent something real (such as an explosion) or imaginary (such as a monster)
a movie with spectacular special effects

Examples of special effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Apple cider vinegar is said to have a special effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Anne Heigel, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024 McCarthy vamps it up as the conniving Ursula, going big but not too big — the one special effect that escapes the rest of the film’s soulless spectacle. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 4 May 2024 There is something charming, though, about seeing what is clearly just a man in a gorilla suit be played so straightforward and earnestly like a special effect. James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2024 The production of the tour is not wildly elaborate by contemporary standards, with Rodrigo’s charisma serving as special effect enough. Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Feb. 2024 And the special effect of fluttering metal glitter, meant to represent the millions of monarch butterflies that return to Michoacan each year to wait out the winter, is visually stunning. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2023 Whether this is a special effect or Fielder being candid with the world about his package, we are meant to view this as yet another example of Asher punching above his weight in marrying someone like Whitney. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2023 Like any special effect, whether or not a production is able to utilize this type of digital touch up typically comes down to time and budget. Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 27 Oct. 2023 The use of prosthetic fat for a roughly 600-pound character created divisions among viewers, some of whom saw the film turning a human character into a special effect. Ellen Gamerman, WSJ, 13 Mar. 2023

Dictionary Entries Near special effect

Cite this Entry

“Special effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20effect. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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!