ripple effect

noun

Definition of ripple effect

: 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

The ripple effect of James’ decision will have huge ramifications around the NBA. — Sam Amick, USA TODAY, "2018 NBA free agent tracker: Analysis, contract information, best players available," 1 July 2018 The ripple effect also could drive up costs for companies that manufacture asphalt pavers, graders and other heavy equipment used in road projects. — Washington Post, "Trump’s own tariffs make it harder to rebuild infrastructure," 30 June 2018 The ripple effects continue: Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) is facing renewed scrutiny for allegedly groping a legislative staffer four years ago. — Melanie Mason, latimes.com, "California legislators propose new way to handle harassment complaints in Capitol," 15 June 2018 The ripple effect started with One Rock Capital Partners, a New York private equity firm that bought a paper mill in Longview, Wash., and then petitioned the Trump commerce department for tariffs against Canadian paper. — Erin Arvedlund, Philly.com, "Trump's commerce department put a tariff on Canadian paper that jacked up all U.S. newsprint prices," 11 June 2018 The political ripple effects of Horowitz's work over the last several months have already been felt by some. — Laura Jarrett, CNN, "DOJ Inspector General report on FBI handling of Clinton email probe entering final stages," 16 May 2018 But the ripple effect of this precision is even more meaningful. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "How a Syrian Airstrike Got Help From Space," 24 Apr. 2018 The ripple effects of this trend have traveled from Wall Street down to Main Street. — Jeff Andrews, Curbed, "The single-family rental industry is starting to consolidate," 11 Dec. 2018 The ripple effects may go unnoticed for weeks or months, but as long as users’ deeply personal information is floating around the internet, it is exposed and open to misuse. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Facebook keeps asking for our trust even as it loses control of our data," 13 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ripple effect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.