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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.

However, researchers stress that observational studies alone cannot prove cause and effect.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

The original 2023 study was small and correlational, so it cannot show cause and effect.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

Their results showed a direct cause and effect link between faulty mitochondrial activity and cognitive symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disease.

From Science Daily • May 16, 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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