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

But Brian can’t resist warning his past self about the impending 9/11 attacks, and this results in a ripple effect that eventually transforms our characters’ world into a postnuclear hellscape. — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

As Bloomberg notes, Qualcomm’s price increases will likely have a ripple effect, particularly for smartphones. — Stevie Bonifield, The Verge, 24 July 2026

As work becomes more fluid with remote teams, gig workers and cross-functional projects, leaders who can map dependencies, anticipate ripple effects and design resilient structures will thrive. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The rise of medium-term contracts for RFAs could even have a ripple effect on how teams navigate the middle class in the future. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 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