side effect

noun

variants also side reaction
Definition of side effectnext
as in ramification

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of side effect That hour made clear that isolation is not an inevitable side effect of hospitalization, but rather a consequence of a care delivery structure that can, and should, change. — Anna Tsioulias, STAT, 29 July 2026 The side effect of this entire pattern has been a warmer Delta breeze carrying with it just a bit more humidity in the evening for Sacramento. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 Researchers may have uncovered the biological pathway that causes this side effect. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026 Forcing tenants out is not a regrettable side effect of a broken housing system. — Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for side effect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for side effect
  1. ramification
  2. aftereffect
  3. complexity
  4. convolution
  5. complication
Noun
  • Her office did not respond to Deadline’s request for the ex-VPs POV on Ellison or the ramifications of any outreach by the exec.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
  • A lot of that had to do with the anticipation of and preparation for the ramifications of the Big Beautiful Bill on people’s lives.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of ramification
Noun
  • Many of our heroic Vietnam War veterans have continued to suffer the aftereffects of exposure to Agent Orange during their service.
    — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • Because there are no other nearby heat generators, that energy must be residual aftereffects of an earlier era.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
Definition of aftereffect
Noun
  • And the web of contractors, local inspectors, developers, laborers, chipmakers and site managers adds cost, complexity, risk – and delays.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Adding to the complexity if Republicans do coalesce behind his confirmation is the fact that Democrats may not be willing to speed up the process, given their opposition to Blanche as attorney general.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of complexity
Noun
  • In their alternating waves of resentment and understanding, anger and sorrow, D’Arcy and Cooke imbue Rhaenyra and Alicent’s dynamic with all the weight of this history and none of its convolutions.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 15 June 2026
  • Previous studies have shown that hardware tailored for specific mathematical operations, such as Fourier and convolution transforms, can significantly outperform general-purpose processors.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of convolution
Noun
  • The baby’s injuries were consistent with a ligature strangulation, and his cause of death was complications of mechanical asphyxia, the examiner testified.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The couple welcomed a son, Albert, and remained together until Hickman’s death in January 2022 at age 87, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
    — Sophie Clausen, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of complication

Browse Nearby Words

sided (with)
side effect
side effects
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Cite this Entry

“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/side%20effect. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on side effect

Nglish: Translation of side effect for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about side effect

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