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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 Those strategies have been effective for Schandler. Ben Wieder and, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025 In other words, eating these greens raw is the most effective method. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2025 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 Hoffman's slider was so effective that day, Harper reportedly wondered aloud why Hoffman wasn't pitching out of the Phillies' bullpen. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for effective 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • The Bills, led by an efficient Allen and a solid defense, will end Mahomes’ dreams of a three-peat.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Mahomes and Allen responded by becoming ruthlessly efficient quarterbacks.
    Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Manson said more and more, people are seeking out aesthetically compelling drinks.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond functionality, however, the actual benefits of skin care in makeup are less effective.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Typically, travelers achieve a redemption value of around 1.5 cents per point, making this promotion an excellent opportunity to buy points at a rate close to (or at) their actual value.
    Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 23 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
  • The alternative to achieving any real home automation is to stick little white plastic sensors everywhere.
    Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 22 Jan. 2025
  • There is a real wild card factor this year with the L.A. wildfires having caused the Academy to extend the voting deadline twice, giving voters five full extra days.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While no conclusive evidence connects the dye to cancer in humans, its potential risks have led to bans or severe restrictions in several countries, including the European Union, Australia and Japan.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • This absence of alarm is not conclusive proof that democracy is safe forever, nor that Trump cannot damage American democracy at all.
    Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yi had communicated with the baby’s mother the day before and on the same day that the infant ingested a deadly amount of the drug, according to a factual proffer in the case, the facts agreed on by the defense and prosecutors.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The New York Times defended its reporting, stating it was based on thousands of original documents and adhered to journalistic standards, with no factual errors identified by Baldoni or his team.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near effective

Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

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