NYT Dictionary

EFFECTUAL

/iˈfɛkt͡ʃuəl/

AdjectiveEF-fec-tu-alef-fec-tu-al · 4 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2024, 2025

Meaning

Producing the intended result; entirely adequate.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English effectual, effectuel, from Old French effectuel, from Late Latin effectualis.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

effectiveefficaciouslegalsoundable active actualadequateascertainedattested

Antonyms

ineffectualineffective

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.