cause and effect

[kawz-uhnd-i-fekt, -uhn-] / ˈkɔz ənd ɪˈfɛkt, -ən- /

NOUN

chain reaction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chemical reaction vicious circle

WEAK

causal nexus chain of circumstances concatenation of events domino effect powder train ripples in a pond

NOUN

domino effect

Synonyms

WEAK

causal sequence chain of events contagion effect domino theory knock-on knock-on effect ripple effect slippery slope

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.

Because this kind of study can show an association but cannot prove cause and effect, the takeaway is not that B12 is dangerous.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

Because this was an observational study, it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

The study is cross-sectional, which means it cannot determine cause and effect and may be influenced by confounding factors or reverse causation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

The editors of the London Review of Books aren’t conspicuous Trump fans, but they are appreciators of cause and effect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

But the correlations do not tell us precisely how population variables function in a chain of cause and effect whose outcome is a complex society.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

cause and effect

Example Sentences

Related Words