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Definitions

cause

[kawz] / kɔz /
NOUN
agent, originator
Synonyms
STRONGEST
element explanation matter motivation motive origin principle purpose root source
STRONG
account agency aim antecedent author basis beginning causation consideration creator determinant doer end foundation genesis ground grounds incitement inducement instigation leaven mainspring maker object occasion producer spring stimulation
WEAK
prime mover
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discouragement effect result
STRONG
conclusion finish neglect thoughtlessness
WEAK
consequence development fruit issue outcome outgrowth product
NOUN
belief; undertaking for belief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
faith goal ideal movement objective plan purpose
STRONG
attempt conviction creed enterprise intention object principles
Antonyms
WEAK
consequence development effect end fruit issue outcome outgrowth product result
VERB
bring into being; bring about
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin create generate induce lead to make precipitate produce provoke
STRONG
brainstorm breed compel effect elicit engender evoke hatch incite introduce kickoff kindle let motivate muster occasion open originate revert secure
WEAK
be at the bottom of break in break the ice bring to pass come out with cook up dream up fire up get things rolling give rise to make up result in sow the seeds start the ball rolling think up work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy discourage end halt prevent ruin stop
STRONG
block close cover delay deter finish hide hinder impede keep obstruct repress

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 2008-2009 “great recession,” for example, technically didn’t cause the economies of China, India or Indonesia, three of the world’s most populous nations, to contract.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

"If shipping costs rise, it will cause the final costs for our customers to increase sharply," he said.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Indiana officials have disclosed the official cause of death for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Nicholas Brendon, who died in March.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The proximate cause is a fuel price increase, no question about it.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

By the emergency team’s calculations, they had at least a week before enough water would be lost to cause trouble, so they had focused on more pressing problems.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Vocabulary lists containing cause

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 1

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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