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

Colorado's mountain snowpack is off to its slowest start in decades, and the ramifications that could come with that dry start could be felt for years to come if something doesn't change. —Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025

Grindr is probably more open to users who find networking value amid the flirting because of the unique nature of the LGBTQ community, where people often face discrimination or even legal ramifications of being out in the non-digital world, Balance said. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025

The focus was on this week’s game and the Chargers and the seeding ramifications. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025

The slide reinforces that the anti-immigrant/refugee climate increases discriminatory practices, makes students feel unsafe and increases absenteeism, among other negative ramifications. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 22 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