placebo effect

noun

: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used

Examples of placebo effect in a Sentence

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.
Knoepfler warned of placebo effects. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 In other words, what’s likely really happening is a positive placebo effect, the scientists suggested. Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 4 Apr. 2026 Some are a bit dubious, maintaining that at-home red light therapy tools in general provide more of a placebo effect than actual, measurable results. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026 As for people online who claim peptides have worked wonders for them, the placebo effect is a possible explanation, says Mendias, the rehabilitation expert. Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for placebo effect

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of placebo effect was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Placebo effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/placebo%20effect. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

placebo effect

noun
: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
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