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
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As for people online who claim peptides have worked wonders for them, the placebo effect is a possible explanation, says Mendias, the rehabilitation expert.
—
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
And even the existence of MSG sensitivity itself has been disputed, as the placebo effect is thought to come into play to some extent.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026
The result is a real, measurable boost in energy levels, not just a placebo effect.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
The issue is, the researchers say, is that the study's experimental design was faulty – a control group involved no stimulation, preventing blinding and raising the chances of the placebo effect in those who did use the device.
—New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
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Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
And even the existence of MSG sensitivity itself has been disputed, as the placebo effect is thought to come into play to some extent.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 23 Feb. 2026
The result is a real, measurable boost in energy levels, not just a placebo effect.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026
The issue is, the researchers say, is that the study's experimental design was faulty – a control group involved no stimulation, preventing blinding and raising the chances of the placebo effect in those who did use the device.
—New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for placebo effect
Cite this Entry
“Placebo effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/placebo%20effect. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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