1
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
2
as in compelling
having the power to persuade
made an effective argument in favor of the proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of effective
To be effective, members of Congress should possess the skills and experience to know how to deliver for the American people, and for the sake of the Nation as a whole.
—
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
By way of demonstrating his willingness to take on tough issues, LeBuhn, 37, cites his experience in Lightfoot’s City Hall, helping to spearhead the former mayor’s effort to end aldermanic prerogative, which gives aldermen effective veto power over most zoning decisions in their wards.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The most direct, effective way to hold officials accountable (or show support) is to vote.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Prioritizing teamwork and precision, the game is won through effective communication and pinpoint accuracy.
—Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effective
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
By way of demonstrating his willingness to take on tough issues, LeBuhn, 37, cites his experience in Lightfoot’s City Hall, helping to spearhead the former mayor’s effort to end aldermanic prerogative, which gives aldermen effective veto power over most zoning decisions in their wards.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
The most direct, effective way to hold officials accountable (or show support) is to vote.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Prioritizing teamwork and precision, the game is won through effective communication and pinpoint accuracy.
—Garrett Chorpenning, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
-
In addition to making some dealership work more efficient, Max also helps curate safeguards for customers, Clay Turner said.—
Olivia Evans,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Feb. 2026
-
This problem is especially prevalent in front-loading and energy-efficient top-loaders that use less water in each load during the final rinse.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The minibar is a compelling decorative touch on its own, set inside a dedicated cupboard and features an array of local, gourmet snacks, antiqued wine and cocktail glasses, and an anniversary edition of the 1935 Illy espresso machine for your morning and afternoon coffees.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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As a means of generating its own conceptions of goodness that feel compelling to most human beings, its record is quite mixed, perhaps because that’s not what it was ever designed to do.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s no better time for a summer camp slasher to hit theaters than during actual summer.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
-
County leaders have contended their actual costs are $180 per day.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Experts say the rise of AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to fraud, allowing scammers to create convincing websites, clone official logos, and even replicate QR codes from legitimate sources.—
Maria Salette Ontiveros,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
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Andrews, who was not involved in the Kanzi study, said the results were convincing.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The singer slowly made his way down the stage, stopping by La Casita, popularized during the singer’s recent world tour, and even witnessed a couple’s real wedding.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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His only real path to election is as the Sandy Koufax of the 21st century.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.—
Michael I Goran,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
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Florida law makes grand jury proceedings secret, so the silence isn’t conclusive.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Court could also choose to remand the case for further proceedings, sending it back to a lower court to address any possible legal or factual errors.—
Dianne Gallagher,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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In its appeal, Woodland Park Communities argues the hearing examiner made legal and factual errors that resulted in an excessive and unauthorized penalty.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Among the recovered materials, dysprosium, ytterbium, and erbium are considered high-value due to strong demand and limited substitutes, while yttrium and gadolinium are widely used in electronics, lighting, and healthcare.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Paris Reuters — French wine and spirits exports fell last year to their lowest volume in at least 25 years as US tariffs and Chinese duties hit sales and a strong euro made some alcohol more expensive, industry group FEVS said on Tuesday, warning of no imminent relief.—
Reuters 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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