cause and effect

[kawz-uhnd-i-fekt, -uhn-] / ˈkɔz ənd ɪˈfɛkt, -ən- /

NOUN

chain reaction

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chemical reaction vicious circle

WEAK

causal nexus chain of circumstances concatenation of events domino effect powder train ripples in a pond

NOUN

domino effect

Synonyms

WEAK

causal sequence chain of events contagion effect domino theory knock-on knock-on effect ripple effect slippery slope

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.

This research is observational, which means it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

The study is cross-sectional, which means it cannot determine cause and effect and may be influenced by confounding factors or reverse causation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

The editors of the London Review of Books aren’t conspicuous Trump fans, but they are appreciators of cause and effect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

However, the researchers note that the findings show a correlation, not cause and effect, and that factors like motivation or self-discipline may also influence outcomes.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

The theory then turns an observed rough correlation in time into a postulated chain of cause and effect.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

cause and effect

Example Sentences

Related Words