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Definitions

cause

[kawz] / kɔz /
NOUN
agent, originator
Synonyms
STRONGEST
element explanation matter motivation motive origin principle purpose root source
STRONG
account agency aim antecedent author basis beginning causation consideration creator determinant doer end foundation genesis ground grounds incitement inducement instigation leaven mainspring maker object occasion producer spring stimulation
WEAK
prime mover
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discouragement effect result
STRONG
conclusion finish neglect thoughtlessness
WEAK
consequence development fruit issue outcome outgrowth product
NOUN
belief; undertaking for belief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
faith goal ideal movement objective plan purpose
STRONG
attempt conviction creed enterprise intention object principles
Antonyms
WEAK
consequence development effect end fruit issue outcome outgrowth product result
VERB
bring into being; bring about
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin create generate induce lead to make precipitate produce provoke
STRONG
brainstorm breed compel effect elicit engender evoke hatch incite introduce kickoff kindle let motivate muster occasion open originate revert secure
WEAK
be at the bottom of break in break the ice bring to pass come out with cook up dream up fire up get things rolling give rise to make up result in sow the seeds start the ball rolling think up work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy discourage end halt prevent ruin stop
STRONG
block close cover delay deter finish hide hinder impede keep obstruct repress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maybe somebody who doesn’t like me will try to cause difficulty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Around 60 nations are attending a world-first conference in Colombia to tackle an issue that has deadlocked the UN climate talks -- how to exit the fossil fuels that cause global warming.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

A coach might calculate the risk and reward of being down to 10 players for 60 seconds, able to change the pattern of the game or cause disruption.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

“There was not probable cause to search the virtual private papers of every single person within the geofence merely because of their proximity to the crime.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

An estimated 40,000 Spiritualist believers resided in that metropolis already, but with a growing population of half a million people, there was plenty of opportunity to grow the spirit cause as well.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Vocabulary lists containing cause

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!