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

Remember that 1966 sci-fi movie “Fantastic Voyage,” set inside a human body, the special effects groundbreaking though still analogue?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 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

“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