chain reaction
noun
1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Reese said Hershey's changing of its chocolate formula set off a chain reaction because the vegetable oils the company uses to make the chocolate coating don’t mesh well with peanut butter.
—
Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
That quest, which put her in touch with dozens of victims, generated an award-winning series in the Miami Herald that set off a chain reaction culminating in Epstein’s 2019 arrest, Acosta’s resignation and, two years later, the sentencing of Epstein associate and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
If growth were to stall or the technology were to be seen as failing to deliver on its promises, the bubble might burst, triggering a chain reaction across the financial system.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
According to The Information, incident began when an engineer used an internal agent tool to analyze a technical question; the agent then posted advice without approval, which another employee followed, setting off a chain reaction that opened access to restricted systems.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
That quest, which put her in touch with dozens of victims, generated an award-winning series in the Miami Herald that set off a chain reaction culminating in Epstein’s 2019 arrest, Acosta’s resignation and, two years later, the sentencing of Epstein associate and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
If growth were to stall or the technology were to be seen as failing to deliver on its promises, the bubble might burst, triggering a chain reaction across the financial system.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
According to The Information, incident began when an engineer used an internal agent tool to analyze a technical question; the agent then posted advice without approval, which another employee followed, setting off a chain reaction that opened access to restricted systems.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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