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
Technology, finance, and logistics have been the most visible epicenters, but the ripple effects are beginning to show up in adjacent sectors.
—
Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Because having peers who smoke increases young people’s chances of starting themselves, fewer kids being able to get their hands on cigarettes should have a ripple effect, dissuading more and more of their peers from experimenting.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
The decision is already having ripple effects throughout the South.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 19 May 2026
The reverse can have devastating ripple effects.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
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Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Because having peers who smoke increases young people’s chances of starting themselves, fewer kids being able to get their hands on cigarettes should have a ripple effect, dissuading more and more of their peers from experimenting.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
The decision is already having ripple effects throughout the South.
—Bracey Harris, NBC news, 19 May 2026
The reverse can have devastating ripple effects.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 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 24 May. 2026.
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