Looking for synonyms for side effect? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say side effect.
- Aftereffect
- Consequence
- By-product
- Secondary effect
- Ramification
- Spin-off
- Result
- Offshoot
- Fallout
- Repercussion
- Knock-on effect
- Backwash
- Outcome
- Unintended consequence
- Collateral effect
- Indirect effect
- Residual effect
- Subsequent result
- Incidental outcome
- Ancillary result
Want to learn how to say side effect professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Aftereffect
Used to describe a secondary, often delayed effect or result.
Example: “The aftereffect of the new policy was an unexpected increase in employee productivity.”
2. Consequence
Appropriate for a result or effect that follows from an action or decision.
Example: “One consequence of the merger was the restructuring of several departments.”
3. By-product
Used to describe a secondary result, often unintended and different from the main purpose.
Example: “A by-product of the new marketing strategy was an increased brand recognition.”
4. Secondary Effect
Appropriate for an effect that is not the primary outcome.
Example: “The secondary effect of the company’s expansion was a greater market share.”
5. Ramification
Used for a complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.
Example: “The ramifications of the software glitch were far-reaching.”
6. Spin-off
Appropriate for a by-product or incidental result of a larger project.
Example: “The research project had several beneficial spin-offs.”
7. Result
Used to describe an outcome or effect of an action.
Example: “The result of the new HR policies was a more motivated workforce.”
8. Offshoot
Appropriate for something that develops as a secondary result.
Example: “An offshoot of the new research was the development of innovative technologies.”
9. Fallout
Used for the adverse results, especially of a social or political nature.
Example: “The fallout from the scandal had a major impact on the company’s reputation.”
10. Repercussion
Appropriate for an unintended consequence, especially an unwelcome one.
Example: “The repercussions of the financial misstep were felt throughout the company.”
11. Knock-on Effect
Used for a secondary, indirect consequence caused by an initial event.
Example: “There was a knock-on effect on production due to the supply chain disruption.”
12. Backwash
Appropriate for the negative or unintended consequences of a situation.
Example: “The backwash of the new law affected multiple industries.”
13. Outcome
Used for a result or effect of an action, situation, or event.
Example: “The outcome of the team’s hard work was a successful product launch.”
14. Unintended Consequence
Appropriate for a result that was not expected or intended.
Example: “An unintended consequence of the new policy was decreased employee morale.”
15. Collateral Effect
Used for a secondary effect, particularly in the context of something negative.
Example: “The collateral effect of the merger was the loss of some key staff.”
16. Indirect Effect
Appropriate for an effect that is not directly caused by the initial action or event.
Example: “The indirect effect of the marketing campaign was an increased interest in a previously unpopular product line.”
17. Residual Effect
Used to describe an effect that remains after the primary effect is gone.
Example: “The residual effect of the training program was seen in improved employee performance over time.”
18. Subsequent Result
Appropriate for a result that follows from an action or event.
Example: “The subsequent result of the investment was the company’s expansion into new markets.”
19. Incidental Outcome
Used for a secondary or less important outcome.
Example: “An incidental outcome of the team building exercise was the discovery of hidden talents among employees.”
20. Ancillary Result
Appropriate for a result that is additional to the main result.
Example: “The ancillary result of the international partnership was greater cultural awareness within the company.”
