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
The Atlanta region continues to feel the ripple effects of the turmoil.
—
Jess Mador, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
The ripple effects of the Iran war have spread across the Middle East.
—Bassem Mroue, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Defensive wealth behaviors, however, create ripple effects that weaken social fabric.
—Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Experts fear that the decline of lobster fishing in Maine could have ripple effects for the nationwide industry.
—Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026
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.
Jess Mador, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
The ripple effects of the Iran war have spread across the Middle East.
—Bassem Mroue, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Defensive wealth behaviors, however, create ripple effects that weaken social fabric.
—Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Experts fear that the decline of lobster fishing in Maine could have ripple effects for the nationwide industry.
—Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026
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 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
