placebo effect

noun

: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used

Examples of placebo effect in a Sentence

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.
The Stanford Report article pointed to the placebo effect in medicine as a powerful example of how our mindsets impact our lives. Joan Ekobena, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Some people may see their symptoms improve after trying cortisol cocktails thanks to the placebo effect. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025 The Batman Effect Is Real The placebo effect isn’t just about pills. David Meade, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 This result surprised Steininger, who had assumed that the decreased pain reported by people in previous studies was mostly due to a kind of placebo effect. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for placebo effect

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of placebo effect was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Placebo effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/placebo%20effect. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

placebo effect

noun
: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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