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

Tuesday’s Promise supports youth and families impacted by 9/11, and the post-9/11 Military Families of the Fallen, who have suffered losses as a ripple effect of the 9/11 tragedy. — CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

That doesn’t take the pain away from today’s steep prices, which are already bringing ripple effects for the economy and wider costs of living. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

While the ad exchange represents a relatively small part of Google’s revenue, forcing the company to sell may have sent ripple effects through the rest of its ad business. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026

But history shows that over time there will be a ripple effect across the Bay Area and beyond, as people priced out look elsewhere. — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 1 Sep. 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