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
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.
Continuing with immunotherapy, Shahi remains determined to maintain her health since managing the numerous side effects from her treatments and medications comes with its challenges. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Post- and peri-menopausal women, who have long been left to deal with the side effects of the naturally declining levels of testosterone that accompany aging, are turning to low doses of testosterone as a possible cure-all. Quispe López, Them., 24 Oct. 2025 The most common side effects in women taking the drug were drowsiness, fatigue and headaches. Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 The doctors found blood clots in my lungs, a rare side effect from my surgery. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for side effect

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of side effect was in 1814

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

side effect

noun
: an often harmful and unwanted effect (as of a drug) that occurs along with the basic desired effect
the environmental side effects of using chemicals to kill pests

Medical Definition

side effect

noun
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects
a side effect of drowsiness caused by antihistamines

called also side reaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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