special effect
noun
: an image or sound that is created in television, radio, or movies to represent something real (such as an explosion) or imaginary (such as a monster)
a movie with spectacular special effects
Examples of special effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement Sofia’s increasingly impactful fashion statements are almost their own kind of special effect.
—
Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Apple cider vinegar is said to have a special effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
—Anne Heigel, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024
McCarthy vamps it up as the conniving Ursula, going big but not too big — the one special effect that escapes the rest of the film’s soulless spectacle.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 4 May 2024
There is something charming, though, about seeing what is clearly just a man in a gorilla suit be played so straightforward and earnestly like a special effect.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2024
The production of the tour is not wildly elaborate by contemporary standards, with Rodrigo’s charisma serving as special effect enough.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Feb. 2024
And the special effect of fluttering metal glitter, meant to represent the millions of monarch butterflies that return to Michoacan each year to wait out the winter, is visually stunning.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2023
Whether this is a special effect or Fielder being candid with the world about his package, we are meant to view this as yet another example of Asher punching above his weight in marrying someone like Whitney.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2023
Like any special effect, whether or not a production is able to utilize this type of digital touch up typically comes down to time and budget.
—Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 27 Oct. 2023
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.
Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Apple cider vinegar is said to have a special effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
—Anne Heigel, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2024
McCarthy vamps it up as the conniving Ursula, going big but not too big — the one special effect that escapes the rest of the film’s soulless spectacle.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 4 May 2024
There is something charming, though, about seeing what is clearly just a man in a gorilla suit be played so straightforward and earnestly like a special effect.
—James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2024
The production of the tour is not wildly elaborate by contemporary standards, with Rodrigo’s charisma serving as special effect enough.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Feb. 2024
And the special effect of fluttering metal glitter, meant to represent the millions of monarch butterflies that return to Michoacan each year to wait out the winter, is visually stunning.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2023
Whether this is a special effect or Fielder being candid with the world about his package, we are meant to view this as yet another example of Asher punching above his weight in marrying someone like Whitney.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2023
Like any special effect, whether or not a production is able to utilize this type of digital touch up typically comes down to time and budget.
—Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 27 Oct. 2023
Articles Related to special effect
Dictionary Entries Near special effect
Cite this Entry
“Special effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20effect. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share