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
The Super Bowl winner was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV at more than 119 mph on Dallas’ North Central Expressway before losing control and hitting the center median wall, triggering a chain reaction collision involving other vehicles, six in total, according to the Dallas Police last year.
—
David Close, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Initial dry criticality is expected to follow in 2027, in which MARVEL will achieve a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction before the coolant is loaded.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 June 2025
Characters also change each other continually, as if in a sort of infinite chain reaction.
—The Cosmic Library
may 14, Literary Hub, 14 May 2025
Then the Pavia ruling changed everything, setting off the chain reaction that led Aguilar from Boone to Los Angeles, then back east to Knoxville.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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David Close, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Initial dry criticality is expected to follow in 2027, in which MARVEL will achieve a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction before the coolant is loaded.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 June 2025
Characters also change each other continually, as if in a sort of infinite chain reaction.
—The Cosmic Library
may 14, Literary Hub, 14 May 2025
Then the Pavia ruling changed everything, setting off the chain reaction that led Aguilar from Boone to Los Angeles, then back east to Knoxville.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 25 July 2025
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 10 Aug. 2025.
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