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
Sharks play an essential role in marine ecosystems, shaping prey populations and maintaining ecological balance, so their decline has ripple effects across entire oceanic food webs, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services that people rely on (from healthy fisheries to climate regulation).
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
That’s because hunger creates ripple effects far beyond the dinner table.
—Casey Castillo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Last week’s attack came at a time when county administrators say Miami-Dade is experiencing a surge in unwanted dogs, brought on by the ripple effects of the pandemic and widespread disruptions in county services and the housing market.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Defeat on penalties in the 2021 Europa League final to Villarreal caused a ripple effect on Solskjaer’s tenure.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
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.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
That’s because hunger creates ripple effects far beyond the dinner table.
—Casey Castillo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025
Last week’s attack came at a time when county administrators say Miami-Dade is experiencing a surge in unwanted dogs, brought on by the ripple effects of the pandemic and widespread disruptions in county services and the housing market.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Defeat on penalties in the 2021 Europa League final to Villarreal caused a ripple effect on Solskjaer’s tenure.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripple effect
Cite this Entry
“Ripple effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple%20effect. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share