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
There are chain reactions, however, that could result in a player like running back Ashton Jeanty, tight ends Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, or a wide receiver like Tetairoa McMillan being available.
—
Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
One of the key points in the new study is that salty water can also trigger chain reactions in ecosystems that can impact drinking water quality, infrastructure, and energy and food production.
—Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Coach Ben was always going to meet his end at some point in Season 3 because, really, this sets off a chain reaction of everything that comes afterward — that eventually leads to all of the things that people are looking for answers to.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
No injuries were reported but the tumbling concrete set off a chain reaction that snarled traffic in the city ahead of Friday’s rush hour.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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.
Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
One of the key points in the new study is that salty water can also trigger chain reactions in ecosystems that can impact drinking water quality, infrastructure, and energy and food production.
—Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Coach Ben was always going to meet his end at some point in Season 3 because, really, this sets off a chain reaction of everything that comes afterward — that eventually leads to all of the things that people are looking for answers to.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
No injuries were reported but the tumbling concrete set off a chain reaction that snarled traffic in the city ahead of Friday’s rush hour.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 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 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share