side effects

NOUN

adverse or unwanted secondary effect

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aftereffect reaction

WEAK

aftermath aftertaste byproduct carryover concomitant corollary leftover offshoot secondary response side issue sidebar spinoff

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.

The database contains reports of unintended and harmful side effects linked to medications.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

About 11% of patients taking the high dose of retatrutide stopped participating in the trial due to side effects.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

The higher dosage of misoprostol required when it’s used alone can also lead to a greater incidence of benign but uncomfortable side effects like nausea and diarrhea.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

She didn’t exercise and said she soon felt side effects: a “deathly cold, from the inside” likely because of the drug.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

"I need you to be careful with the flower of immortality when you find it. If you get contaminated by it—if its pollen or sap enters your system—there could be adverse side effects."

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda