ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: branch, offshoot

b

: a branched structure

2

a

: the act or process of branching

b

: arrangement of branches (as on a plant)

3

: consequence, outgrowth

the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These mistakes are not only costly on a game-by-game basis because their suspension ramifications, particularly in a Chelsea squad already carrying several defensive injuries, are key. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

And this global push has had local ramifications. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025

Supreme Court weighs constitutionality of conversation therapy ban Months after upholding a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, the Supreme Court is once again hearing arguments about LGBTQ+ rights that could have major ramifications on young people. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025

The political ramifications for him are still unknown. —Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for ramification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

2

: outgrowth sense 1

the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches

2

: a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel

the ramification of an artery

also : the resulting branched structure

make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite