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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.

"Conventional simulations oversimplify real materials, while experiments reveal complexity without a clear way to quantify cause and effect," explains Prof. Kotsugi.

From Science Daily • May 18, 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 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 cause and effect are not always easy to measure.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin

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