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

Companies, however, appear to be bracing for the ripple effects of the disruptions; at least 21 firms have withdrawn or reduced financial ​guidance since the war began, and 32 have signaled price hikes, Reuters reported. —Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The ripple effect Experts say if oil holds above $90 per barrel for the next several months, cost pressures will accelerate throughout the supply network. —Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

The ripple effect goes beyond individual plates too. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

The consequences of executive function impairment can be profound and far reaching, especially if the individual is in a major leadership role where the ripple effects of bad decisions are widespread. —Anand Kumar, STAT, 21 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