special effects

NOUN

special film techniques

Synonyms

WEAK

FX animation mechanical effects optical effects process photography

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.

Yellowstone elevated television to a new level, and did so without special effects or CGI, but instead via a combination of compelling story, strong writing and acting, and cinematography that rivaled that of movies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Best special effects went to James Cameron's blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash, replicating its win in the same category for the original movie in the hit franchise back in 2010.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Her father, Don, was a cinematic and special effects wizard who worked on numerous Disney attractions, including the Michael Jackson-starring film “Captain EO.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

Umba, the movement specialist underneath the simian special effects, is convincing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

“I watched Star Trek because you are always spouting off about it. The special effects are not that special. Kind of pathetic, actually. Like a first-grade puppet show.”

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt