Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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

His firm started to see trouble at the end of 2025 and feared that if anything remotely trembled the market, it would cause aftereffects in the economy: higher inflation and lower interest rates.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

"If shipping costs rise, it will cause the final costs for our customers to increase sharply," he said.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

That upwelling magma is responsible for the breathtaking mountainous landscape of Japan, and those subducting plates cause most of the earthquakes that shake the country.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Vocabulary lists containing cause

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!