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
  • The exact close date has big ramifications on the level of taxes Walter will owe for the deal.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This sounds like malpractice to those who understand the value of 40-man roster spots and know the ramifications of the looming lockout.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 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
  • As families grow and increase in complexity over time, different members often also have varying objectives around liquidity.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In practical terms, the study suggests a preference for agentic AI to simplify drudge work and logistics, such as narrowing choices or suggesting better options, rather than taking full control of emotionally loaded or high-complexity decisions.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 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
  • Frequent population movements linked to mining and people fleeing armed conflict add another complication, as people can move before surveillance teams are able to follow up with them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • If complications arise, such as from the data being encrypted, another hearing will be scheduled.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 14 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 16 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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