special effects

NOUN

special film techniques

Synonyms

WEAK

FX animation mechanical effects optical effects process photography

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.

By avoiding the dramatic lighting and exaggerated special effects often seen in pictures of youth culture, he landed on a distinctive visual style.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Developing longer stories with less money, the TV shows makers need to be inventive, creative with their resources, so they invest in characters and ideas rather than special effects and action.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

Mr. Birney has a mesmerizing ability to create special effects via the simplest measures, such as by creating a shimmering, magical figure out of what looks like simply an overexposed bit of film.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Russell Tovey says that's thanks to the work of the show's set designers, as well as its special effects team.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

But then Laleh started talking again, making fun of the special effects.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram