ripple effect

noun

: a spreading, pervasive, and usually unintentional effect or influence
the automotive industry has a ripple effect on many other industries
compare domino effect

Examples of ripple effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While many educators welcome this shift, its ripple effects could extend far beyond the classroom — into our homes, our workplaces and even our talent pipelines. Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025 Every improvement has ripple effects, and the challenge lies in finding a solution that works across the board rather than excelling in one area and failing in another. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 While the software and platform companies face less direct exposure, the ripple effects could still be significant. Kevan Yalowitz, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The ripple effects extend beyond the fair itself. Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ripple effect

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ripple effect was in 1966

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Cite this Entry

“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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