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
Emergency managers from several states say the funding backlog is having a ripple effect in communities, straining local budgets and delaying or potentially derailing disaster projects that have taken years to plan.
—
Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
That, in turn, pushed inflation significantly higher overall, creating ripple effects across transportation, food and everyday goods.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Even if the new ceasefire holds and energy prices recede, relief won’t come quickly—and the ripple effects of higher prices could still cause a global recession or even a depression.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
If cinemas close, there’s going to be a ripple effect.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
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Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
That, in turn, pushed inflation significantly higher overall, creating ripple effects across transportation, food and everyday goods.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Even if the new ceasefire holds and energy prices recede, relief won’t come quickly—and the ripple effects of higher prices could still cause a global recession or even a depression.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
If cinemas close, there’s going to be a ripple effect.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
Cite this Entry
“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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