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.

But “Is God Is” refuses to gussy up its allegories with too many special effects or gratuitous gore.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

The more intricate Rocky puppet that appears on screen was later designed by Neal Scanlan, a legendary special effects artist, at the Creature Shop in London.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 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

"Young people think they're adding special effects, when in fact they're cramping the style."

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

I rigged up my special effects, checked out the terrain, measured distances, collected the ordnance and equipment we’d need.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien