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

There’s certain legal ramifications where certain things couldn’t be covered. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

But for those who do put those experiences on credit cards or other financing options, that debt can have long-term ramifications, Walsh says. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

That removes a major obstacle for the multibillion-dollar deal that could have huge ramifications for two of Hollywood’s biggest studios, as well as CNN and the networks Ted Turner founded in Atlanta. — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026

But others quickly decried the move and warned of future ramifications — including Anna Gomez, the FCC's sole Democratic Commissioner. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

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