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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Global powers will hope the 14-point agreement offers some relief for the international economy, still suffering the ripple effects of Iran’s throttling of the vital waterway. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 18 June 2026 But Pacheco’s bigger worry is that Florida’s college and university board votes later this month will have ripple effects across the nation. Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2026 Karno also pointed to the broader economic ripple effect of film production. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 June 2026 Lopez’s hiring in Miami set off something of a ripple effect among local law enforcement agencies, with Miami Springs Police Chief Matthew Castillo taking over Lopez’s position as the top cop in Doral. Miami Herald, 16 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 22 Jun. 2026.

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