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Definitions

cause

[kawz] / kɔz /
NOUN
agent, originator
Synonyms
STRONGEST
element explanation matter motivation motive origin principle purpose root source
STRONG
account agency aim antecedent author basis beginning causation consideration creator determinant doer end foundation genesis ground grounds incitement inducement instigation leaven mainspring maker object occasion producer spring stimulation
WEAK
prime mover
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discouragement effect result
STRONG
conclusion finish neglect thoughtlessness
WEAK
consequence development fruit issue outcome outgrowth product
NOUN
belief; undertaking for belief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
faith goal ideal movement objective plan purpose
STRONG
attempt conviction creed enterprise intention object principles
Antonyms
WEAK
consequence development effect end fruit issue outcome outgrowth product result
VERB
bring into being; bring about
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin create generate induce lead to make precipitate produce provoke
STRONG
brainstorm breed compel effect elicit engender evoke hatch incite introduce kickoff kindle let motivate muster occasion open originate revert secure
WEAK
be at the bottom of break in break the ice bring to pass come out with cook up dream up fire up get things rolling give rise to make up result in sow the seeds start the ball rolling think up work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy discourage end halt prevent ruin stop
STRONG
block close cover delay deter finish hide hinder impede keep obstruct repress

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Many AI models are full of risks “hiding in plain sight,” Stewart said, and can cause similar damage when given features such as additional memory.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

This was why I’d been feeling so lightheaded, and it was the cause of my hoarseness.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Nunley found that the combination of Nexstar and Tegna would likely cause consumer pay-TV bills to rise and local news coverage to suffer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

This failure was expected to cause disruptions in air travel, banking, industry, electric grids, phone systems, and other critical services necessary for daily living at the turn of the century.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing cause

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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