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.
Since April, Beijing has required licenses for certain exports, sending ripple effects across worldwide manufacturing sectors. Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025 Federal action like the pending White House reviews could also have ripple effects at state and local levels, EveryLibrary wrote last month. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025 Robinson hopes the program, which started in 2024 in Milwaukee, will have ripple effects. Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Not hierarchy, not age, not titles, but the ripple effect of your actions. Shelley Zalis, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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