butterfly effect
noun
: a property of chaotic systems (such as the atmosphere) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system
Examples of butterfly effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Every action has a butterfly effect that impacts the decisionmaker and those around them.
—
Richard Newby, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
In chaos theory, there’s a concept known as the butterfly effect—the idea that a seemingly small action, occurring at just the right moment, can trigger ripple effects that grow across time and space.
—Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Based on mock drafts, there are some clear points in the NFL draft that have significant butterfly effects on the rest of the first round, if not, the entire draft.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Matt’s arrival on the set has a butterfly effect, creating ripples of chaos.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for butterfly effect
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Richard Newby, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
In chaos theory, there’s a concept known as the butterfly effect—the idea that a seemingly small action, occurring at just the right moment, can trigger ripple effects that grow across time and space.
—Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Based on mock drafts, there are some clear points in the NFL draft that have significant butterfly effects on the rest of the first round, if not, the entire draft.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Matt’s arrival on the set has a butterfly effect, creating ripples of chaos.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for butterfly effect
Cite this Entry
“Butterfly effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfly%20effect. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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