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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.

One must wonder whether these flashy ads do more to stoke his base rather than convince the massive number of undecided voters frustrated with Bass to join his cause.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The parasitic infection, linked to farm animals, can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps and can be serious for young children.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The Andes virus, a rare type of hantavirus that can be spread between humans, is the cause of a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship that is still anchored off the coast of Cape Verde.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

The 2008-2009 “great recession,” for example, technically didn’t cause the economies of China, India or Indonesia, three of the world’s most populous nations, to contract.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

It was an enormous task, made much worse by the fact that each of the six reactors had risk factors that could cause unique problems.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

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)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!