ripple effect
noun
: a spreading, pervasive, and usually unintentional effect or influence
the automotive industry has a ripple effect on many other industries
compare domino effect
Examples of ripple effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Employers, insurers, health systems and providers will all feel the pressure, setting off a ripple effect that is likely to accelerate dealmaking.
—
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
The ripple effect of the defense collapsing is no coincidence.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
As the world’s biggest oil importer, what happens here has ripple effects across the global oil market.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Bosa’s absence had a ripple effect across the line that hurt Huff most of all.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
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Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
The ripple effect of the defense collapsing is no coincidence.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
As the world’s biggest oil importer, what happens here has ripple effects across the global oil market.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Bosa’s absence had a ripple effect across the line that hurt Huff most of all.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
Cite this Entry
“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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