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
Advertisement The ripple effect extends to the dedicated community providers who are the backbone of the HCBS ecosystem.
—
Barbara Merrill, Time, 26 July 2025
At a meeting earlier this month, preservation board member Ray Breslin acknowledged concern that approving the demolition of 1800 Michigan Avenue could cause a ripple effect in Palm View, a neighborhood of charming Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival homes not far from Lincoln Road and City Hall.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
Senate Bill 17, signed into law in 2023, forced colleges across the state to dismantle their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) infrastructure — and the ripple effects are still unfolding.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
The ripple effect is shaping the entire industry pipeline.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 July 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.
Barbara Merrill, Time, 26 July 2025
At a meeting earlier this month, preservation board member Ray Breslin acknowledged concern that approving the demolition of 1800 Michigan Avenue could cause a ripple effect in Palm View, a neighborhood of charming Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival homes not far from Lincoln Road and City Hall.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
Senate Bill 17, signed into law in 2023, forced colleges across the state to dismantle their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) infrastructure — and the ripple effects are still unfolding.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
The ripple effect is shaping the entire industry pipeline.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 July 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 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share