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 crash led to a chain reaction involving four other vehicles.
—
Frank Fernandez, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Ice-rich soil warmed, thawed and collapsed, setting off a chain reaction still unfolding today.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The crash triggered a chain reaction that damaged several cars and led Austin Hill to secure a surprise victory.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Smith and Gray's last-lap collision caused a chain reaction, leading many cars to crash into each other.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Frank Fernandez, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Ice-rich soil warmed, thawed and collapsed, setting off a chain reaction still unfolding today.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The crash triggered a chain reaction that damaged several cars and led Austin Hill to secure a surprise victory.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Smith and Gray's last-lap collision caused a chain reaction, leading many cars to crash into each other.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 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 25 Apr. 2025.
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