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.
The drama centers on 17-year-old Lee Jooin (Seo Su-bin), an unpredictable high school student whose angry outburst creates ripple effects throughout her world. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 That could have massive ripple effects across corporate policies and the perspectives included in C-suite decision making. Julia Boorstin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 The results will always have a ripple effect on what comes next, but Jokić sounds like someone who is still fully invested in the Nuggets’ program. Sam Amick, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 From paychecks for federal workers to access to national parks, the ripple effects could be felt in daily life. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025 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 4 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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