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

This research is observational, which means it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

The Nobel laureate’s work transformed how central banks understand cause and effect in the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

But cause and effect are not always easy to measure.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin