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.

The staging is a marvel of special effects, but the most spectacular coup is the injection of emotionally resonant meaning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Developing longer stories with less money, the TV shows makers need to be inventive, creative with their resources, so they invest in characters and ideas rather than special effects and action.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

The giants’ special effects machines had gone into overtime, laying planks across ruined support beams so the arena had a proper floor again.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan