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

With such a destructive geopolitical conflict driven by several strongmen leaders, the industry was always going to feel the ramifications. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026

In a development with major Eastern Conference ramifications, Tatum is listed as questionable for Friday night’s home game against the Dallas Mavericks. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

The lawsuits could have major ramifications for how Michigan treats prediction markets, which have exploded as a financial frontier for users. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 5 Mar. 2026

Air cargo backlogs just beginning The war in Iran has cargo ramifications outside the ocean freight spectrum. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 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