effective
[ih-fek-tiv, ee-fek‐]
/ ɪˈfɛk tɪv, iˈfɛk‐ /
ADJECTIVE
successful, persuasive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
active
adequate
compelling
competent
direct
efficient
forceful
impressive
potent
powerful
practical
successful
useful
valid
STRONG
WEAK
Antonyms
ADJECTIVE
in use at the time
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST
WEAK
Usage
What are other ways to say effective? The adjective effective is applied to a person or a thing that has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective boss, remedy, speech. Effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. Efficient (applied also to persons) implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager.
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.