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.
Beyond disrupting the momentum of data centers, the tariffs could have wide-ranging ripple effects if certain products aren’t exempted, the CCIA said in a May letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which was cosigned by about 20 trade groups. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Young adults are just getting choosier about when a drink is actually worth it, and the ripple effects are showing up in surveys, menus and social feeds. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 And the reduced flow of goods through one of the world’s most consequential shipping lanes could create a ripple effect that shakes the world’s economy. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026 Changing the school schedule can have ripple effects beyond individual families, including athletics and other activities that involve neighboring school districts operating on different calendars. — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 Aug. 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

Rhymes for ripple effect

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Browse Nearby Words

ripple
ripple effect
ripple fire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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