Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for effectual. Search instead for effectualn.
Definitions

effectual

[ih-fek-choo-uhl] / ɪˈfɛk tʃu əl /
ADJECTIVE
influential; authoritative
Synonyms
STRONG
effective efficacious
WEAK
accomplishing achieving adequate binding capable conclusive decisive determinative effecting efficient forcible fulfilling in force lawful legal licit potent powerful practicable productive qualified serviceable sound strong successful telling useful valid virtuous workable
Antonyms
STRONG
incapable unproductive useless
WEAK
impotent ineffectual unsuccessful weak

Usage

What are other ways to say effectual? The adjective effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. Efficient (applied also to persons) implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager. Effective is applied to a person or a thing that has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective boss, remedy, speech. 

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 economy is now shifting from experiences to transformations — effectual outcomes that change individuals in a lasting way.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

“This case is constitutionally moot because the Court can no longer grant any effectual relief,” the companies argued in a filing with U.S.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

“And so this poison was allowed to enter the national bloodstream and infect public life without the Government taking any effectual measures to master the course of the disease.”

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2023

Butler’s fighting style is similar to the film’s: brawny, unshowy, effectual and explosive only when necessary.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023

But since my intention is to write something useful for anyone who understands it, it seemed more suitable for me to search after the effectual truth of the matter rather than its imagined one.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.