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
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
During La Niña winters, cooler Pacific surface temperatures trigger a chain reaction of weather events around the world, affecting temperature and precipitation.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
As Wilford Brimley, Glenn Close and an urchin in a newsboy’s cap look on and the music begins to swell, Roy Hobbs sends that last pitch screaming into the rightfield lights—which triggers a chain reaction of cinematic explosions.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Should the bold promises of AI fall short, the dependence among these major AI players could trigger a devastating chain reaction, causing a widespread collapse similar to the 2008 Great Financial Crisis.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
During La Niña winters, cooler Pacific surface temperatures trigger a chain reaction of weather events around the world, affecting temperature and precipitation.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
As Wilford Brimley, Glenn Close and an urchin in a newsboy’s cap look on and the music begins to swell, Roy Hobbs sends that last pitch screaming into the rightfield lights—which triggers a chain reaction of cinematic explosions.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Should the bold promises of AI fall short, the dependence among these major AI players could trigger a devastating chain reaction, causing a widespread collapse similar to the 2008 Great Financial Crisis.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 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 20 Oct. 2025.
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