EFFECTUAL Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

effectual

adjective

i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l

as in efficient

producing or capable of producing a desired result after trying many remedies for the condition, he finally found an effectual one that actually helped

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective effectual contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of effectual are effective, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When can effective be used instead of effectual?

The synonyms effective and effectual are sometimes interchangeable, but effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When could efficacious be used to replace effectual?

The meanings of efficacious and effectual largely overlap; however, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

In what contexts can efficient take the place of effectual?

Although the words efficient and effectual have much in common, 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

Examples 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 effectual Since 2014, that party has been disbanded, its remnants swept into the much smaller and less effectual Opposition Bloc. —

Konstantin Skorkin, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2019 Exceptions, such as the Iranian sanctions preceding the negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are typically multinational, economically effectual, and explicit in stating the criteria and circumstances under which policy change would yield sanctions removal. —

Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2017 Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas? —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024 Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. —

Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 No doubt as long as man and all other animals are viewed as independent creations, an effectual stop is put to our natural desire to investigate as far as possible the causes of expression. —

Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2012 The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change. —

Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022 For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers. —

Glamour, 26 May 2022 The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual. —

Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for effectual

Adjective

And heat pumps are highly efficient, which means less electricity is needed to use them than traditional heating systems like fossil fuel furnaces and boilers.

Julia Simon, NPR, 25 Dec. 2024
Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004.

Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024