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

When the plant closes in January, the ripple effects will be felt throughout the community, undermining many first-generation business owners and the investment in new housing, Patton said. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

Whether Sumrall stays or goes, a recruit of Davis’ profile reentering the market is a direct consequence of coaching‑staff uncertainty and the normal recruiting ripple effects when a head coach is linked to other jobs. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

The ripple effects of other tariffs are another reason food inflation overall will not abate immediately with these tariff rollbacks. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025

Those subtle changes can have big ripple effects across the globe's climate, with the cycle at times increasing the chances for rain, snow, drought, hurricanes and other weather chaos. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ripple effect

• aftereffect
• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct