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 ripple effects are real: Food and beverage costs increase, vendor pricing becomes erratic, and forecasting gets more complex. Dax Cross, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Want examples where the ripple effects weren’t what the strategists ordered? Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025 With each new cruise call, the economic ripple effect is substantial. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025 Given the complexity of neurosurgery, its success in Sierra Leone can have a ripple effect on the country. Sophia Li, NPR, 17 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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