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placebo

[pluh-see-boh, plah-chey-boh] / pləˈsi boʊ, plɑˈtʃeɪ boʊ /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A drug also needs to be proven to work better than a placebo.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

After 24 weeks, patients taking enlicitide saw their LDL cholesterol drop by about 60% compared with those on a placebo.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

The company said patients who were on the highest dose lost 15.3% of their weight while those in the placebo group lost 2.6%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Huynh said he was surprised at how few placebo patients in Structure’s study gained weight, and suggested investors wait to see Structure’s Phase 3 results.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

Modern trials of the efficacy of therapies depend on the idea that an effective therapy must perform better than a placebo.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton