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 the study was observational, it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

Their experiments focused on a specific scenario, repeated mild brain injury, and used CTE tissue to provide supporting observations rather than direct proof of cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 26, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 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

I’m trying to put myself in her shoes, playing games not of cause and effect, but of effect and cause.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

cause and effect

Example Sentences

Related Words