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
Follow-up drugs may be more powerful, more selective and with side effects ironed out or controlled with combination therapies.
—
Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
However, loading doses of creatine are more associated with side effects such as water retention and symptoms like diarrhea.11
Skipping the creatine loading phase and instead taking smaller daily doses over a longer period can help minimize side effects like water retention.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Aug. 2025
Constipation Another side effect that is seen with calcium supplements is constipation.2 Constipation is when someone has fewer than three bowel movements per week.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2025
What is clear is that these medications take a long time to work, sometimes up to several weeks, and even then, the patient may need regular dosage adjustments to minimize side effects.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for side effect
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Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2025
However, loading doses of creatine are more associated with side effects such as water retention and symptoms like diarrhea.11
Skipping the creatine loading phase and instead taking smaller daily doses over a longer period can help minimize side effects like water retention.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Aug. 2025
Constipation Another side effect that is seen with calcium supplements is constipation.2 Constipation is when someone has fewer than three bowel movements per week.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2025
What is clear is that these medications take a long time to work, sometimes up to several weeks, and even then, the patient may need regular dosage adjustments to minimize side effects.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for side effect
Cite this Entry
“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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