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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, there’s a ripple effect, and that’s how the Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery merger will hurt Main Street America the most. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026 That has a ripple effect beyond the ballpark. Tori Mason, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 The ripple effect of energy Fuel is a base-level cost for much of the economy. Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 The Iran war and the consequent global surge in energy prices is having a ripple effect on the war in Ukraine. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ripple effect

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ripple effect was in 1966

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Cite this Entry

“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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