EFFICIENT Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'efficient' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective , effectual , and efficacious . While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'effective' take the place of 'efficient'?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient , effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. // an effective rebuttal

Q: When would 'effectual' be a good substitute for 'efficient'?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. // the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Q: Where would 'efficacious' be a reasonable alternative to 'efficient'?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. // a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

efficient

adjective

i-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of efficient next

as in effective

producing or capable of producing a desired result that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard

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How does the adjective efficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective, effectual, and efficacious. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," 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

In what contexts can effective take the place of efficient?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficient?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Where would efficacious be a reasonable alternative to efficient?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

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 efficient Buggies are very efficient and on hand when needed. —

Harriet Compston, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 Others suggest that borrowing strategies from biology may offer the most efficient path toward adaptable, resilient machines. —

New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026 Under the court’s direction, grand jurors are empowered to review records, evaluate government programs, inspect detention facilities and issue findings and recommendations that promote ethical, efficient and transparent governance. —

Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026 The 19-year-old Jakucionis made the most of his opportunity, setting a new-career high in his first NBA season with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 shooting from three-point range. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for efficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient

Adjective

Across the experiments, the sensor network was consistently effective at producing distinct signal patterns and activating protective responses depending on the force applied.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Romero does not have the tactical or emotional discipline required to be an effective captain.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of effective

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“Efficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/efficient. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 11 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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