EFFICIENT Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'efficient' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective , effectual , and efficacious . While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning. // an efficient small car

Q: In what contexts can 'effective' take the place of 'efficient'?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient , effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. // an effective rebuttal

Q: When would 'effectual' be a good substitute for 'efficient'?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. // the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Q: Where would 'efficacious' be a reasonable alternative to 'efficient'?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. // a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

efficient

adjective

i-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of efficient next

as in effective

producing or capable of producing a desired result that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard

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How does the adjective efficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective, effectual, and efficacious. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

In what contexts can effective take the place of efficient?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficient?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Where would efficacious be a reasonable alternative to efficient?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of efficient For a tech company specializing in data, this inability to use that historical context to create better, more efficient, and effective services just doesn’t make sense. —

Anna Covert, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Read more: James Harden Defends Russell Westbrook's Poor Play as NBA Fans Call Him Out Westbrook is in the midst of one of the least efficient shooting seasons among anyone playing big minutes this year. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Google added a faster and more energy efficient processor and upped the RAM to 16 megabytes. —

Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 Step two: Seize the moment, in between chops and chants and CBS cutaways to Taylor Swift. Step three: Have Bo Nix deliver the most efficient outing in the biggest game of his NFL career. —

Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for efficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for efficient

Adjective

The company maintains a tax holiday for a subsidiary in the APAC region, which contributed to a lower effective tax rate of 13.7% for the year.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
While air purifiers are effective, combining them with other strategies can enhance odor elimination.

Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024