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

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 effective Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Stocks moving on tariffs — U.S. stocks reacted to the new 25% tariffs President Donald Trump levied on Saturday on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China, effective at midnight Monday. —

Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Invest wisely: Best online brokers The firm said the lower expense ratios were effective immediately. —

Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 The deal announced Monday spans multiple years, effective immediately, and includes measurement for all Paramount platforms including national and local broadcast, all cable networks, and streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, Nielsen said. —

Katie Campione, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025 Pinching is effective if the plant has adequate light to support healthy new growth. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for effective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective

Adjective

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
His efficient, confident performances against Oregon and Louisville (in the Sun Bowl) caused expectations for next season to soar.

— Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025