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

If your trip was among them, or if the ripple effects reach you in the days ahead, federal rules spell out exactly when airlines owe you your money back. — Matt Leclercq, Charlotte Observer, 14 Nov. 2026

The ripple effects caused nearby hotels to fill up overnight. — Stephanie Douglas, CBS News, 14 Nov. 2026

The ripple effect from the stoppage could be felt for days, however. — ABC News, 14 Nov. 2026

There may be an undesirable ripple effect A taxable withdrawal from retirement savings can also trigger additional costs elsewhere. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 13 Nov. 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