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

Shipping traffic in the Persian Gulf has repeatedly ground to a halt since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, with ramifications for global markets. — Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 25 July 2026

Both the card and the poem speak of juxtaposition and the ramifications of decisions. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

The World Cup may have ended with Spain’s extra-time goal yesterday, but soccer fans and league presidents alike are still discussing the ramifications of what this year’s tournament may bring the sport for years to come. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Later in the show, the guys discuss the Ravens’ one-year pact with veteran center Ethan Pocic and the ramifications for the rest of their offensive line. — Josh Tolentino, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 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