Definitions

slippery slope

NOUN

domino effect

Synonyms

WEAK

causal sequence cause and effect chain of events contagion effect domino theory knock-on knock-on effect ripple effect

NOUN

primrose path

Synonyms

WEAK

garden path life of ease path of least resistance

NOUN

ripple effect

Synonyms

WEAK

causal sequence contagion effect dispersion dissemination domino effect knock-on effect overspreading 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.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada have all fallen down that slippery slope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Admittedly, answering emails on the weekend can be a slippery slope.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

“That is a slippery slope of theming that can go wrong really fast,” she adds.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

For others, keeping secrets at all feels like a slippery slope.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

Plus, once you start giving things away for free it’s a slippery slope.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman