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
Based on the book by Carola Lovering, the Hulu series centers on the toxic and manipulative on-again, off-again relationship between college students Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White), whose bond causes a ripple effect of chaos and turmoil for their friend group.
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Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Maersk is cutting about 1,000 jobs, or nearly 17 percent of its roughly 6,000 corporate positions, as the ocean carrier prepares for a further freight rate slump and possible ripple effects of a broader Red Sea return.
—Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
And so, yes, part of the solution is going to be a state and local solution because the ripple effects of this will reach every level of government.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Zubac was a last-minute ripple effect, as Lawrence Frank’s front office prioritized future assets.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
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Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Maersk is cutting about 1,000 jobs, or nearly 17 percent of its roughly 6,000 corporate positions, as the ocean carrier prepares for a further freight rate slump and possible ripple effects of a broader Red Sea return.
—Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
And so, yes, part of the solution is going to be a state and local solution because the ripple effects of this will reach every level of government.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Zubac was a last-minute ripple effect, as Lawrence Frank’s front office prioritized future assets.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 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 13 Feb. 2026.
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