EFFECTIVE Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

effective

adjective

i-ˈfek-tiv

Definition of effective next

as in efficient

producing or capable of producing a desired result an effective treatment of the once-dreaded disease gave an effective speech that won over many undecided voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in compelling

having the power to persuade made an effective argument in favor of the proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in actual

existing in fact and not merely as a possibility made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

a significant 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

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