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 Avoiding the slave-catcher threat, practical abolitionists like Still kept the books, managed the money, and worked to make the escape to Canada more efficient. —

Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 10 Jan. 2025 While KenPom ranks UConn’s offense as the second-most efficient in the nation, its efficiency on the defensive end is down to No. 102 nationally, despite improvement since returning from Maui. —

Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 31 Dec. 2024 If 2023 was dominated by the ladylike Margaux bag and the prim-and-proper dressing mood that followed in its wake, then 2024 belongs to the efficient, yet extremely elegant N/S Park tote. —

Laura Jackson, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024 Julian Reese and Derik Queen are every bit as important in the offense as the perimeter shooters Much has been made about the significance of being efficient from the 3-point line, and that has been exemplified by Maryland’s improved rate of scoring thus far. —

Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for efficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient

Adjective

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
Trapping is most effective during late winter to early spring.

The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025