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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
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 Are Mineral Sunscreens Better Than Chemical Sunscreens? Mineral and chemical sunscreens are both effective, but contain different active ingredients.6 Mineral sunscreens (or physical sunscreens) primarily contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both. Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 June 2025 Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 June 2025 Instead, the revolutionaries relied on more subtle but equally effective means: publicly humiliating prominent loyalists and destroying their stature in the local community. Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025 But according to research, the two most effective ways to lower your blood sugar through exercise are high-intensity workouts and strength training. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • The company discontinued the 5.7-liter engine amid tightening fuel economy regulations and a companywide push toward electric vehicles and more efficient engines last year under ex-Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 5 June 2025
  • These coverage losses were avoidable with better, more efficient communication.
    Lisa Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • Should protected information shared in confidence, in the setting of illness, with a high-stakes power differential, be fodder for writing—no matter how compelling?
    Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Karpf urged people to input their DEXA score and other criteria into the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and consult physicians who understand the shortcomings of DEXA for a fuller assessment of their actual bone density and risk of fragility fractures.
    Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025
  • In the season’s last few episodes, however, the show leans hard into its real-world inspiration, casting actual pros like Collin Morikawa as themselves.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The White Sox snapped their KC losing streak Friday and followed with a convincing 4-1 win on Saturday.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
  • For example, the models may produce convincing but incorrect summaries or analyses of sensitive data, creating risks when accuracy is critical for national security decisions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • JoJo Siwa has been on a real rollercoaster ride over the past month.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 June 2025
  • However, the real star of the show is the puffer complex.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s little conclusive evidence yet that creatine boosts cognition.
    Staff Author Published, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
  • While some research in animals and human cells suggests glyphosate may cause DNA damage and atrazine could mess with hormones, there isn’t currently any conclusive evidence of harm in people based on how we’re being exposed (including in relation to cumulative risk).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • In turn, Bivins brought in another friend to execute the deadly plot, according to an FBI criminal complaint and the factual statement filed with his plea agreement.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
  • Have three response templates ready: factual correction for misinformation, values reaffirmation for criticism, and security protocol for threats.
    Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

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