Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective efficacious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficacious are effective, effectual, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

When is effective a more appropriate choice than efficacious?

In some situations, the words effective and efficacious are roughly equivalent. However, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficacious?

Although the words effectual and efficacious have much in common, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

When can efficient be used instead of efficacious?

While the synonyms efficient and efficacious are close in meaning, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of efficacious These efficacious, natural ingredients include chamomile, California poppy, lemon verbena, linden, magnesium, rosemary and cardamom. Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Thorne is also rigorously tested and has worked with independent researchers from places like Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health, to ensure its products are high-performance, safe, and efficacious. Vogue, 30 Mar. 2025 Despite Chief Justice Warren formally writing the opinion to apply exclusively to education, its attack on segregation has—paradoxically—been most efficacious beyond that original context. Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025 Oh, that’s right, there’s a measles vaccines that is over 97% efficacious against the measles after two doses are administered, which people have been getting for years. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for efficacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficacious
Adjective
  • Life hacks are methods for making daily tasks easier, more efficient, or more enjoyable.
    Paul McClure May 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
  • It's powered by the fast and efficient S10 chip and boasts tons of health, fitness, and lifestyle features, including GPS workout recording, ECG, sleep and cycle tracking, music, podcast, and third-party app support.
    Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Bank’s second incarnation, run by Nicholas Biddle, scion of a prominent Philadelphia family and Princeton valedictorian, was even more sophisticated and effective than the first.
    Time, Time, 23 May 2025
  • The university was accused of failing to establish effective mechanisms for combatting antisemitism until last summer.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Major battlefield victories or changes in Russian politics are the most potent weapons, while sanctions can erode morale and resources.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • While some have critiqued the plan due to size and scope and unbalanced comparison between the U.S. and Israel, it's anticipated that the Golden Dome will provide a more potent defense against adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Efficacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/efficacious. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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