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

And there were a number of ramifications from these very unusual proceedings, from what should have been week two of a blockbuster, rather historic antitrust trial. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

The idea that these enormities wouldn’t have negative electoral ramifications is mystifying. —Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Without a contender at the top of the ticket in November, Democratic turnout is at risk of fraying, and the ramifications go far beyond California — potentially including control of Congress. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

The long-term ramifications of this mass downgrading are significant. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 26 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