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

Each of these games will have large ramifications for the SEC Championship chase as well as the College Football Playoff. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

But Aceves said the political consequences of federal government actions, including the antifa executive order, can be equal to or even more significant than legal ramifications. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025

The scope and ramifications of Grasso’s actions come to light early on in Episode Six. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025

These mistakes are not only costly on a game-by-game basis because their suspension ramifications, particularly in a Chelsea squad already carrying several defensive injuries, are key. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

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