as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result
after trying many remedies for the condition, he finally found an effectual one that actually helped
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Recent Examples of effectual
Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas?
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024
Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed.
—Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024
Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed.
—USA Today, 8 Dec. 2022
The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022
For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers.
—Glamour, 26 May 2022
The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021
The work continues—certainly more effectual, if not louder, than the sound bites.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2020
The most that can be decisively taken from all this is that the factors that render radical action productive or counterproductive, effectual or ineffectual, are complex.
—Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 30 May 2020
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024
Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed.
—Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024
Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed.
—USA Today, 8 Dec. 2022
The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022
For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers.
—Glamour, 26 May 2022
The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021
The work continues—certainly more effectual, if not louder, than the sound bites.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2020
The most that can be decisively taken from all this is that the factors that render radical action productive or counterproductive, effectual or ineffectual, are complex.
—Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 30 May 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for effectual
Adjective
-
These coverage losses were avoidable with better, more efficient communication.—
Lisa Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
The company discontinued the 5.7-liter engine amid tightening fuel economy regulations and a companywide push toward electric vehicles and more efficient engines last year under ex-Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Smaller doses, such as 3 mg/kg, can still be effective with fewer side-effects.4 The body produces beta-alanine, an amino acid, which works with other chemicals in the body to make carnosine.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
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Instead, the revolutionaries relied on more subtle but equally effective means: publicly humiliating prominent loyalists and destroying their stature in the local community.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
This week, Drake teams up with Canadian rap newcomer Smiley, Kim Gordon has a potent pro-freedom message for Donald Trump, and Colombian hitmaker Feid surprise releases his seventh studio album.—
Rolling Stone,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
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The oil-free version of its Vogue Verified counterpart, this one provides powerful antioxidant protection while limiting oil production and reducing breakouts through a potent blend of l-ascorbic acid, silymarin, ferulic acid, and salicylic acid.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Effectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/effectual. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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