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
Within Nevada’s workplace safety watchdog agency, meanwhile, the unusual reversal of the citations is having ripple effects.
—
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
And while the shoes’ combination of hypercritical foams and carbon fiber is primarily intended for race days, technology tends to trickle down to sneakers for everyday, recovery and tempo runs — creating a ripple effect across the marketplace.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Even 4% cuts at major airports cause a ripple effect as planes and crews fall out of position for their next flights, according to WTTW.
—Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Nov. 2025
Even if lawmakers reach a deal to reopen the government, the ripple effects won't disappear overnight.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
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.
Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
And while the shoes’ combination of hypercritical foams and carbon fiber is primarily intended for race days, technology tends to trickle down to sneakers for everyday, recovery and tempo runs — creating a ripple effect across the marketplace.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Even 4% cuts at major airports cause a ripple effect as planes and crews fall out of position for their next flights, according to WTTW.
—Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Nov. 2025
Even if lawmakers reach a deal to reopen the government, the ripple effects won't disappear overnight.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
Cite this Entry
“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share