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

This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

May 21 – June 20 Conversations can have ripple effects on the rest of your day — and potentially the rest of your life! —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026

What began as a private argument between two partners didn’t stay contained for long — and that ripple effect is exactly what fuels Season 2 of Netflix’s dark comedy Beef. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026

What’s Ahead With the BTS world tour spanning 82 shows and analysts projecting massive ticket revenues, the economic ripple effects are expected to extend well beyond South Korea’s borders. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026

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