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

But the ramifications of the call aren’t something Jess can ignore. —Barry Levitt, Time, 12 Dec. 2025

However, enforcement of the law has been delayed while the state legislature considers its ramifications. —Anjana Susarla, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025

Ukrainian Presidency | Anadolu | Getty Images There are, however, concerns over the legal ramifications and the potential retaliation from Moscow; Russia’s security council chief warned last week that using Russian assets would be tantamount to a justification for war. —Holly Ellyatt,dan Murphy, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025

The ramifications of the ankle injury continued for Freeman in 2025. —Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 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