ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
Synonyms of ramification
1
a
: branch, offshoot
b
: a branched structure
2
a
: the act or process of branching
b
: arrangement of branches (as on a plant)
3
: consequence, outgrowth
the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification 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.
None came with more ramifications than the choices at quarterback. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 For whatever reason, losing in Dublin in recent years often means major ramifications for the programs involved. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 The whipsawing legal battle could have major ramifications for the midterms. — Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 Equity markets have also largely shrugged off the potential ramifications of the conflict, with global stocks seeing a broad rally this year as corporate earnings optimism outweighed concerns about the war's implications for the world economy. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ramification

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ramification was in 1578

Rhymes for ramification

See All Rhymes for ramification

Browse Nearby Words

ramie hemp
ramification
ramiform pit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ramification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ramification. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
1
: the act or process of branching
2
: outgrowth sense 1
the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
1
: the act or process of branching
specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches
2
: a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel
the ramification of an artery
also : the resulting branched structure
make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite

More from Merriam-Webster on ramification

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ramification

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