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
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These ripple effects can intensify the woes Americans have been feeling since runaway inflation seen during the pandemic weakened their financial footing. Alex Harring,itzel Franco, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026 Kelce also described the ripple effect once someone drops the pregnancy question in a social setting. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 The ripple effects of an extended energy disruption would reach far beyond the pump. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 Canadians’ absence in Las Vegas is symbolic of the United States’ fractured relationship with its neighbor and the ripple effects of unwinding ties between the two countries. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 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 8 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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