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

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 efficient Believing in the fundamentals of being efficient with our movements. —

Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025 Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson, who's also taking over seven long-range looks a night, is making them at a less efficient clip (41.7 percent on 7.6 heaves beyond the arc) than Powell (42.9 percent on 7.9 3-point tries). —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Tariffs on imports may escalate costs, raising doubts about the viability of US domestic production against China’s efficient supply chain. —

Michaela Rychetska and Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025 LaVine gives the Kings a 24-point-per-night scorer in the midst of one of his most efficient seasons. —

Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for efficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient

Adjective

Expert instructors will teach you how to get started, practical uses, tips for effective prompt-writing, and mistakes to avoid.

— Renée Onque, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025
That, right there, is an example of effective marketing.

— Paul McClure February 16, New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2025