CAUSES Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

causes 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of cause

as in creates

to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) the ice storm caused a massive power outage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

causes

2 of 2

noun

plural of cause

as in determinants

someone or something responsible for a result the much-debated causes of the war

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in campaigns

a series of activities undertaken to achieve a goal joined the freedom fighters' cause as a young man

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Example 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 causes

Verb

Economists once again think economic growth causes prices to rise. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Here's what insomnia is, what causes it and how it's typically treated. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Dandruff typically causes thicker, oilier, and sometimes yellow flakes. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2026 Mail and Paper Piles Leaving mail and stacks of paper on coffee tables, console tables, and end tables is distracting and causes a conflict between relaxation and productive tasks, which Lee notes are two things that don't go together. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 Melanoma accounts for just 1% of skin cancer cases but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026 Alexa Frank thought the small, pink, flaky spot on her nose was an acne scar or eczema, a condition that causes dry, itchy skin. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2026 All of these conditions are driven by climate change, which makes wildfires burn hotter and faster and causes more severe storms. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 However, scaling these materials up from tiny laboratory chips to commercial panels usually causes major power losses. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Noun

The causes of this go back decades, and AI is just the latest iteration of it. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 If that wasn’t enough, there may be other contributing factors, such as medical conditions and environmental causes. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2026 Other possible causes flagged in the reporting include mild infection, IBS, microbiome imbalances, food sensitivities and general inflammation. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Two people with major depressive disorders may have completely different psychological, biological or genetic causes. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Ruddle died Thursday in Rye, New York, of natural causes at age 94. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 An all-rounder with a heart of gold, Dolly will also be remembered for her philanthropy, her acting roles, her business acumen and her support of good causes. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026 Dementia is a gradual decline in thinking abilities and memory, and there are several types or causes of dementia. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2026 According to health professionals, declining vaccination rates, declining immunity and slow public health monitoring systems are the main causes of the most recent increase in cases. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for causes

Verb

The soft gray-white rattan complements the tailored beige high-density comfort cushions and creates an airy backdrop for your ever-evolving collection of seasonal all-weather pillows and throws.

— Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
On paper, deploying Wade creates an obvious advantageous matchup.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of creates

Noun

One of us is a social epidemiologist who studies the social and structural determinants of health, and the other is a prevention scientist who studies risk and protective factors among young people.

— Jonathan Wright, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
The article emphasizes that daily life conditions and behaviors within the home, not just clinic visits, are primary determinants of well-being.

— Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of determinants

Noun

Social media, microtrends, ad campaigns and the rise of secondhand shopping are all factors that can test a brand’s strength.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
The new measure comes as Moscow and Kyiv ramp up their air campaigns, with Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory sparking fuel shortages and bringing the war closer to home for ordinary Russians.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of campaigns

Noun

This increase happens for two reasons — both tied to the fact that El Niño is characterized by warmer than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Less than a week after our Zoom conversation with Knapp, an unrelated Good Good collab went viral for all of the wrong reasons.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasons

Noun

The Pacific Street entrance would allow full turning movements, while the Midas Avenue entrance would be limited to right turns in and out.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
The uneven nature seen by ALMA is likely the result of massive convective movements in the star, hot plasma rising through the star and generating shockwaves that erupt in the star's atmosphere, creating bright and hot regions.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026