chain reaction

noun

Definition of chain reactionnext
as in sequence

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chain reaction Natural uranium contains a mix of isotopes, of which only a tiny fraction can sustain an explosive chain reaction. — Mike McRae 06, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026 Failures could cause a chain reaction with dire consequences. — Selam Gebrekidan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 The gesture sets off a chain reaction, as a parade of strangers begins scribbling their own complaints, anxieties and grudges across the same tiles. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026 These vulnerabilities don’t require any user interaction to be exploited and hence can spread from machine to machine on their own, triggering a possible chain reaction that’s difficult to stop. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chain reaction
  1. sequence
  2. chain
  3. progression
  4. file
  5. string
  6. train
  7. nexus
  8. row
Noun
  • Gauthier extended his goals streak to six games and his points streak to a career best-tying eight games with his fourth multi-goal performance during this electric sequence, including three of his four career hat tricks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Such was the most measured response to the sequence that ultimately cursed the Panthers’ Sunday evening in Bank of America Stadium.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of sequence
Noun
  • When a single cell in a repeating lattice cracks or punctures, the surrounding identical cells immediately follow suit, causing a chain-reaction collapse.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • This ends with Belzagar’s companion taking an arrow to the chest, Pharazôn wounded, and one of the would-be assassins in chains.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of chain
Noun
  • Since 2021, the Food and Drug Administration has approved three antibody treatments meant to slow the disease’s progression.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Education is one of the most effective ways to help slow the progression of kidney disease.
    — Fresenius Kidney Care, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of progression
Noun
  • Lee said delivery to streamers is tougher than meeting cinema DCP specs, since platforms analyze files mechanically rather than by eye, and AI output still struggles with requirements such as bitrate and color grading.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The county has not released public records related to the farm that were requested by The Times, including code enforcement files.
    — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of file
Noun
  • Fourth-string goalie Matt Tomkins made 16 saves with Tristan Jarry out because of illness and both Devon Levi and Frederik Andersen injured.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Officials across Europe reported a fresh slew of bomb threats against multiple flights on Friday, following a string of hoaxes that have caused flight diversions this week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of string
Noun
  • On the New York to Pittsburgh round trip route, for example, baseline airfares start around 450 dollars, compared to roughly 225 dollars for train tickets and just 100 dollars for long distance bus tickets.
    — , CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Highlights include a transit ambassador program, expanding Metra weekend train service and more Pace express buses.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of train
Noun
  • That really is the nexus of power in the book to see how that changes things.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to exploring the new nexus of streaming and linear, Mipcom delivered some classic moments.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of nexus
Noun
  • Herrin’s kill from the back row was followed by Stella Delgadillo’s kill on an overpass for the win.
    — Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Seats can come designed together or separately in alternate rows.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of row

Browse Nearby Words

chaining
chain reaction
chain reactions
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Cite this Entry

“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chain%20reaction. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on chain reaction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chain reaction

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