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.

Their results showed a direct cause and effect link between faulty mitochondrial activity and cognitive symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disease.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

However, observational data alone cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • May 6, 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

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 this is, at least in part, a confusion of cause and effect.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

cause and effect

Example Sentences

Related Words