special effects

plural noun

: visual or sound effects introduced into a movie, video recording, or taped television production

Examples of special effects in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
James is every ambitious director threatening to topple this town in a narcissistic quest to create the ultimate special effects epic. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Their audiences didn’t care that the costumes weren’t high-quality, that the actors were often inexperienced, that there were no expensive special effects, or any semblance of realism. Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026 Production is underway on Monster Maker, a documentary about Stan Winston, the legendary special effects artist behind some of the most memorable and terrifying creatures ever put on screen. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 June 2026 Even the special effects emerge as less than spectacular — especially since Jeannot Szwarc’s plodding direction affords ample time for one to sit there and figure out just how they were accomplished. Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for special effects

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special effects was in 1907

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Cite this Entry

“Special effects.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20effects. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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