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
Researchers have revealed a surprising new side effect linked to GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
—
Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
There is no information about side effects.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
Of both ethical and professional reasons, that does come with a dose of side effects.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Their runaway success of the appetite-supppressing drugs has drastically altered conversations around weight-loss and health, challenging expectations and sparking controversy over their proper use and side effects.
—Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for side effect
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Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
There is no information about side effects.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
Of both ethical and professional reasons, that does come with a dose of side effects.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Their runaway success of the appetite-supppressing drugs has drastically altered conversations around weight-loss and health, challenging expectations and sparking controversy over their proper use and side effects.
—Merrill Fabry, Time, 9 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2025.
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