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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
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 Targeting more than one viral protein has shown in the recent past to be effective: one of the mRNA COVID-19 shots was a bivalent vaccine that worked against two different strains of the virus. Alice Park, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025 Evidence suggests that a combination of medication and counseling is one of the most effective ways to help smokers quit. Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Expert instructors will teach you how to get started, practical uses, tips for effective prompt-writing, and mistakes to avoid. Tiffany Grant, Contributor, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 Reduces Symptoms of Depression Walking is a natural mood booster and an effective way to combat mild to moderate depression. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for effective 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • Dooley advised SMBs to use customer data to tailor payment options and loyalty programs, ensuring efficient and secure transactions.
    Gene Marks, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Energy Department funding supported the commercialization of LED lights, which are highly efficient and long-lasting.
    Margaret E. Kosal, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Focusing On Historical Consistency A successful micro-cap IPO relies on telling a compelling growth story, backed by consistent financial data.
    Ivan Lunegov, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Video Quality: Smooth Footage, With Audio Support The Flip's camera is a strong point, and a compelling enough reason to spend a bit more than DJI's entry-level Neo, which also emphasizes ease of use and features for content creators.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But issuing preemptive pardons — for actual or imagined offenses by Trump’s critics that could be investigated or prosecuted by the incoming administration — would stretch the powers of the presidency in untested ways.
    Zeke Miller and Colleen Long, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Given that the cast had a complex relationship with fame due to their actual names and faces in the film, Toti, Kempf and Christian decided to never release the project to streaming, digital or an easily pirateable physical release.
    William Earl, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are three unbeaten teams (UCLA, LSU and Ohio State), but only the Bruins boast a convincing victory over defending champion South Carolina, the lone loss the Gamecocks have taken in the last two seasons.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This real-time portfolio can be more convincing to potential employers than a static list of accomplishments.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • If style is your top priority but function is less important, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250, depending on the brand and materials (for example, real leather is often more expensive).
    Avery Stone, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Among high-profile foreign players, only French legend Patrick Vieira has tasted any real success in MLS, a league that in many ways asks more of managers than others.
    Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cornell research found cycle thresholds, or Ct levels, higher than 35 in the sample, which indicates low viral levels; typically, experts look for levels under 20 as conclusive evidence that the virus is circulating.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
  • No conclusive proof that Musk is Dittmann appears to have emerged.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This article includes reporting from The Associated Press. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
    Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The emotional impact of VR experiences could potentially overshadow factual evidence, and different viewing angles might lead to inconsistent interpretations among jurors.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near effective

Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

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