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
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.
Both drugs have similar side effects, including dizziness and tiredness. Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 Conventional treatments primarily rely on immunosuppressive drugs, which can have significant side effects. Jesse Pines, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 While losing their menstrual period permanently may be a good thing, the side effects that come with it can be daunting. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 More serious side effects from vaccination are extremely rare, according to the CDC. Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for side effect

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of side effect was in 1814

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

side effect

noun
: an often harmful and unwanted effect (as of a drug) that occurs along with the basic desired effect
the environmental side effects of using chemicals to kill pests

Medical Definition

side effect

noun
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects
a side effect of drowsiness caused by antihistamines

called also side reaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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