side effect
noun
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects
called also side reaction
Examples of side effect in a Sentence
Nausea and diarrhea are the side effects of the drug.
the harmful side effects of using chemicals to kill insects
The merger created positive side effects for both companies.
Recent Examples on the Web
One side effect for CMOs and CXOs to worry about is that customers who earn status the old-fashioned way, by actually traveling, may resent the practice of their preferred brand offering shortcuts to status.
—
Roger Dooley, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Potential side effects include temporary darkening or lightening of the skin and persistent redness.
—Laura Schober, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
For instance, if a vaccine would cause side effects in some people who get it, that could erode public trust in the vaccine.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
And understanding that as a patient — yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for side effect 
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Roger Dooley, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Potential side effects include temporary darkening or lightening of the skin and persistent redness.
—Laura Schober, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
For instance, if a vaccine would cause side effects in some people who get it, that could erode public trust in the vaccine.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
And understanding that as a patient — yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for side effect
Dictionary Entries Near side effect
Cite this Entry
“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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