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.

The staging is a marvel of special effects, but the most spectacular coup is the injection of emotionally resonant meaning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 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

There are no special effects, music or flashing lights, just a quiet nostalgic drive through what feels like a sparkling forest.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2025

The stage is vast, the lighting is dramatic, the extras are innumerable, and the budget for special effects is absolutely unlimited.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel