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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

Example 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 The Yale University Budget Lab estimates that the inflationary effects of Trump’s tariffs amount to an effective tax of $4,900 per household. Nik Popli, Time, 17 Apr. 2025 Just last week, the president announced a 90-day pause in his tariff agenda, lowering the effective tariff rate on the EU from 20% to 10% while negotiations take place. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025 But Fried, with a fastball that ranged from 91-97 mph and an effective curveball, kept Kansas City off the board from there. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025 It’s been replaced by a much less effective moment between Joel and his therapist, Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • Mars, on the other hand, has never had efficient plate tectonics.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Significant technical challenges remain, including the need for high-resolution displays, efficient chips, and compact batteries to enable a viable consumer product.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Spirit and Pride’s rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling matchups in the league.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Either way, there do not appear to be many other compelling paths for either Cargill or Naomi to take after WrestleMania 41 that don’t involve each other.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Users and park supporters say the closures, both actual and potential, will likely reshape how people visit national parks this year, keeping more visitors closer to gateway towns and out of more remote areas.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • During the vote, Fraga said the resolution is giving direction for the city’s legal department and administration to enter into a letter of understanding with ICE, but not the actual memorandum of understanding.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Daniel Farke’s side could not have been more convincing in their final push for the Premier League.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Tonge is convincing in his conclusion that the religious orders are a permanent feature of Turkish politics and public life.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Back here in the real world, other Under 30 honorees are harnessing AI to tackle important problems.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • That for real was like holding the mirror up to myself.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Estimates of people with other arrhythmias are less conclusive, but in general, people with arrhythmias are at higher risk of having heart attacks or strokes and dying early, Pell said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • While some studies have found potential associations—often at higher-than-recommended levels—experts caution that the evidence is mixed and not conclusive.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This article has been updated with additional information and remarks. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.
    Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

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