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.

Yellowstone elevated television to a new level, and did so without special effects or CGI, but instead via a combination of compelling story, strong writing and acting, and cinematography that rivaled that of movies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

I mean, it took us a while, you know, with special effects and our hair and makeup and wig and costumes.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

"Young people think they're adding special effects, when in fact they're cramping the style."

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Blame the 2023 Hollywood strikes along with the reality that big fantasy projects take considerably more time to shoot given the elaborate sets, costumes and special effects required.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

The giants’ special effects machines had gone into overtime, laying planks across ruined support beams so the arena had a proper floor again.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan