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.
By integrating fundraising with event management, Hometown goes beyond solving logistical problems to create a ripple effect that enhances community support for education. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 The ripple effects—job losses, higher consumer prices, and economic instability—will disrupt communities and erode public trust. María Mendiluce, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 The investment bank missed earnings per share estimates Wednesday evening, and with the market closed on Thursday, the ripple effects are just being felt now. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 The disruption has led to 863 flight cancellations at the airport by late morning, according to FlightAware, with ripple effects extending across the nation. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near ripple effect

Cite this Entry

“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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