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
Children are particularly vulnerable to side effects of heavy metals because their developing bodies can absorb them more readily.
—
Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2024
Don't hesitate to ask questions about your prognosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 Aug. 2024
The alternative is to flee the country or take greater risks: continue blockers under threat of prosecution or receive alternative medication with more frequent and severe side effects.
—Cal Horton, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024
This is largely due to their potential to cause side effects in such small bodies.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for side effect 
Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2024
Don't hesitate to ask questions about your prognosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 Aug. 2024
The alternative is to flee the country or take greater risks: continue blockers under threat of prosecution or receive alternative medication with more frequent and severe side effects.
—Cal Horton, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024
This is largely due to their potential to cause side effects in such small bodies.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for side effect
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'side effect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near side effect
Cite this Entry
“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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