domino effect
noun
plural domino effects
: a cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events compare ripple effect
Examples of domino effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The draw for the 2026 World Cup set off an immediate domino effect.
—
Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
When one grant is halted, there is a domino effect on others, both nationally and internationally.
—David Seal, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Like the 109th Avenue exit in Crown Point, development has been a quickly progressing domino effect.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Flights in late afternoon are statistically more likely to be disrupted, as flight delays and cancellations in the morning in one region of the country tend to create a domino effect, causing a backlog that impacts other regions as the day wears on.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for domino effect
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
When one grant is halted, there is a domino effect on others, both nationally and internationally.
—David Seal, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Like the 109th Avenue exit in Crown Point, development has been a quickly progressing domino effect.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
Flights in late afternoon are statistically more likely to be disrupted, as flight delays and cancellations in the morning in one region of the country tend to create a domino effect, causing a backlog that impacts other regions as the day wears on.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for domino effect
Cite this Entry
“Domino effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domino%20effect. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
