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.
Protecting Authentic Japanese Whisky The ascent of Japanese whisky on the world’s stage came with an unfortunate side effect: a more deceptive counterpart masquerading under the same name. Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Or could a circular economy, life extension, recycling and reuse be the solution to the space industry's dirty side effects? Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 3 June 2025 Collectively, these studies included over 1.8 million women, a large enough population to enable even rare side effects to emerge from the statistical murk. ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025 Nearly four months after The Bachelorette alum opened up about her battle with stage 3 breast cancer — which has since progressed to stage 4 — Thurston, 34, gave a candid update about the difficult side effects of her treatment plan. Shania Russell, EW.com, 2 June 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 8 Jun. 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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