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Definitions

ripple effect

NOUN
chain of cause and effect
Synonyms
WEAK
causal sequence contagion effect dispersion dissemination domino effect knock-on effect overspreading slippery slope sprawl

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Currie referred to “molecular contagion” whereby the ripple effect of the closure of the Strait Of Hormuz is spreading out around the world.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

“San Francisco has demonstrated this larger ripple effect of success,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

"These sorts of events have a whole ripple effect," he added.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

But this will have a ripple effect on global prices for gasoline and diesel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Tarun Das was heading the Confederation of Indian Industry when the wall fell in Berlin, and he saw its ripple effect felt all the way to India.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.