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Definitions

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.

Because the study was observational, it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

Because this was an observational study, it cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 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

Three nuthatches he found later provided a sorry little step-by-step lesson in cause and effect: one was feeding on an elm, another was found dying of typical DDT symptoms, the third was dead.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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