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
Federal officials and independent scientists face a number of challenges in identifying potential vaccine side effects.
—
Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 3 May 2024
About 7% of participants reported side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
—Novella Lui, Health, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for side effect 
Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 3 May 2024
About 7% of participants reported side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
—Novella Lui, Health, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for side effect
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'side effect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 10 May. 2024.
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