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.
In fact, the ripple effects of this monumental tax, if passed, could extend throughout the broader economy and be paid by billionaires and non-billionaires alike. Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Combined with Wednesday’s doubleheader that taxed the pitching staff and caused a ripple effect for their big weekend series in Milwaukee, talks intensified with the Cubs acquiring Peterson late Wednesday for infield prospect Cole Mathis. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026 By design, discoveries along the way would have ripple effects later in the story. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 And that has its own ripple effects. Max Bultman, New York Times, 23 June 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 27 Jun. 2026.

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