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effectual

adjective
ef·​fec·​tu·​al | \ i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce effectual (audio) , -chü(-ə)l; -ˈfeksh-wəl\

Definition of effectual

: producing or able to produce a desired effect
Other Words from effectual Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about effectual

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Other Words from effectual

effectuality \ i-​ˌfek-​chə-​ˈwa-​lə-​tē How to pronounce effectuality (audio) , -​chü-​ˈa-​ \ noun
effectualness \ i-​ˈfek-​chə(-​wə)l-​nəs How to pronounce effectualness (audio) , -​chü(-​ə)l-​ ; -​ˈfeksh-​wəl-​ \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for effectual

effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result. effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. an effective rebuttal effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning. an efficient small car efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Examples of effectual in a Sentence

acting like a jerk has generally not been a terribly effectual dating strategy

Recent Examples on the Web

 The iron dike invented by Mr. S. B. Driggs, of New York, seems to put an effectual barrier in the way of these destructive agents. — Daniel C. Schlenoff, Scientific American, "“Foul Treachery” of Trotsky and Lenin in 1918; Phineas Gage’s Brain in 1868," 13 July 2018 While history may remember Tillerson as one of the least competent and effectual secretaries of state in modern American history, in the final analysis, that’s not why he was fired. — Jonah Shepp, Daily Intelligencer, "No, Mike Pompeo Isn’t Going to Save the State Department," 14 Mar. 2018 There is evidence from both human and animal studies that this is effectual to some degree. — Sandy Bauers, Philly.com, "Health Q&A: What it may mean when you can't smell that smell," 7 July 2017 Lindsay Scott, her effectual Australian co-manager, shepherds me backstage, where Cher is meeting and greeting. — Rob Tannenbaum, Billboard, "Cher Sounds Off on Trump's 'Cheating' & Why She's 'Not a Fan' of Her Six Decades of Hits," 18 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effectual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of effectual

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for effectual

Middle English effectuel, effectual "efficacious, effective, legally binding," borrowed from Anglo-French effectuel, borrowed from Medieval Latin effectuālis, from Latin effectu-, stem of effectus "achievement, result, effect entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

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More Definitions for effectual

effectual

adjective
How to pronounce effectual (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of effectual

formal : producing a desired result or effect

See the full definition for effectual in the English Language Learners Dictionary

effectual

adjective
ef·​fec·​tu·​al | \ i-ˈfek-chə-wəl How to pronounce effectual (audio) \

Kids Definition of effectual

: producing or able to produce a desired effect an effectual remedy

Other Words from effectual

effectually adverb

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