1
2
3

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 Bonafide Health, a company dedicated to providing women with safe and highly effective symptom relief throughout their menopause journey, released its 5th Annual State of Menopause Study. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 22 July 2025 Our tester found the Rubbermaid Reveal to be especially effective for detail cleaning in tight spaces like grout lines and corners. Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 July 2025 One of the most effective options is cyclosporine, which reduces inflammation in the eyes and increases tear production. Angela Haupt, Time, 21 July 2025 Using effective property management practices and adopting technology can help reach these objectives. Nathan Levinson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for effective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effective
Adjective
  • Additionally, the liquid form allows for the efficient delivery of probiotics to the gut. 4.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
  • America’s Founding Fathers had the foresight to recognize that an efficient postal service would be an essential tool of democracy.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 July 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 In his statement, Lawn went on to reaffirm the company’s commitment to safety.
    Maria Pasquini, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Sirens is a compelling mix of contemporary, historical, and speculative fiction told through multiple points of view, mysterious dreams, and magical revelations.
    Kalie Cassidy July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The actual spinal bones can weaken or arewedge shaped, allowing the hump to happen.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • The air feels less humid, with dew point temperatures often in the 40s, and there’s little actual rainfall.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • How Companies Are Using AI One of the most convincing arguments for AI is its capacity to improve efficiency.
    Carmen Skipworth, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • His impersonation is so convincing that Lu and Shin are initially fooled.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Oreo Puffs cereal is made with real Oreo cookie wafers, according to Post Consumer Brands, that are crunchy and chocolatey spheres along with marshmallows.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
  • Explore the challenges of bringing Stitch into the real world, how the familiar images of the original were recreated, and join returning cast members on a set that embodies ‘ohana.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The forensic evidence was so conclusive that the case settled for a fraction of the initial demand, saving millions in potential damages.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • So Professor Thackeray, being a smart and thorough scientist, decided to obtain conclusive proof.
    Sam Kelly July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The new world order is truth to truth, answer to query, whereby factual snippets are revered and rewarded.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Writers who draw on personal stories are often dogged by nonfiction’s prevailing imperative of factual precision.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effective. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on effective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!