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

Steinbaugh said what happens in this case, has broader ramifications for all Americans. — Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

There are emotional ramifications as well as financial ones when leaving money to relatives. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

The range in itself attests to the varied ramifications of Brancusi’s corpus. — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Rodriguez could also break the referendum up into several questions instead of one, which would have voters address the scheduling change and the ramifications, such as term extensions, separately. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 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