chain reaction
noun
1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
The difference this time is the chain reaction.
—
Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely.
—Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
The error within that update then caused a chain reaction of service failures and disruptions.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
If enough satellites are in orbit, this debris could set off a chain reaction, rendering the environment around Earth practically impassable.
—Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, the flowing glacier brings more ice forward to replace what breaks off, slowing the cliff’s inland retreat and making a chain reaction of cliff toppling less likely.
—Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025
The error within that update then caused a chain reaction of service failures and disruptions.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
If enough satellites are in orbit, this debris could set off a chain reaction, rendering the environment around Earth practically impassable.
—Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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