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
Some say that smaller doses can reduce side effects—such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting—while maintaining their weight loss at a lower cost.
—
Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
Higher estrogen levels also correlate with more severe side effects, pointing to the role of hormonal cycles in drug response.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Just one patient out of 21 in Vitanza’s trial had a severe side effect, bleeding in the tumor.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
The supplement can lead to side effects like nausea, dizziness, headaches, rashes, nightmares, and gastritis.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for side effect
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Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
Higher estrogen levels also correlate with more severe side effects, pointing to the role of hormonal cycles in drug response.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Just one patient out of 21 in Vitanza’s trial had a severe side effect, bleeding in the tumor.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025
The supplement can lead to side effects like nausea, dizziness, headaches, rashes, nightmares, and gastritis.
—Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 2025.
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