aftereffect
noun
af·ter·ef·fect
ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt 
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval
Examples of aftereffect in a Sentence
in the U.S. slavery was abolished in 1865, but its aftereffects remained keenly felt long afterwards
Recent Examples on the Web
Those friendships definitely make the aftereffects of experiencing a trauma like that a bit lighter.
—
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 22 July 2025
According to the study authors, this may mean that COVID and COVID-like infections have similar sequelae, or aftereffects, with the consequences of both being important subjects for future research.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2025
This catastrophe immediately killed tens of thousands, with another 150,000 perishing from direct aftereffects.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The two brothers haven’t seen eye to eye in years, and though King Charles reportedly wants to reconcile with his son—perhaps an aftereffect of his cancer journey, Prince William doesn’t seem as inclined to do so.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
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Belinda Luscombe, Time, 22 July 2025
According to the study authors, this may mean that COVID and COVID-like infections have similar sequelae, or aftereffects, with the consequences of both being important subjects for future research.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2025
This catastrophe immediately killed tens of thousands, with another 150,000 perishing from direct aftereffects.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The two brothers haven’t seen eye to eye in years, and though King Charles reportedly wants to reconcile with his son—perhaps an aftereffect of his cancer journey, Prince William doesn’t seem as inclined to do so.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aftereffect
Cite this Entry
“Aftereffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftereffect. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aftereffect
noun
af·ter·ef·fect
-ə-ˌfekt
: an effect that arises after the first or immediate effect has decreased or disappeared
a medicine with no noticeable aftereffects
Medical Definition
aftereffect
noun
af·ter·ef·fect
ˈaf-tə-ri-ˌfekt
1
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval
the aftereffects of surgery
2
: a secondary result especially in the action of a drug coming on after the subsidence of the first effect
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