ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion | \ ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio) \

Definition of ramification

b : a branched structure
2a : the act or process of branching
b : arrangement of branches (as on a plant)
3 : consequence, outgrowth the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuit is the latest turn in a saga that has gripped Texas politics for two weeks and one which now may come with serious legal ramifications. James Barragán, Dallas News, "Texas Democrats sue over secret meeting between House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Empower Texans CEO," 8 Aug. 2019 The move places Facebook in a position of referee in the year-long effort with wide political ramifications. NBC News, "Facebook to ban misinformation about 2020 census," 30 June 2019 Republicans contend that with a bill this complex -- with ramifications for the entire state for three decades -- there is no good reason why voters shouldn’t have their say. oregonlive.com, "Senate Republican walkout: What do they want?," 21 June 2019 Season 2 blessedly wastes no time furthering both storylines, as Madeline is forced to deal with the ramifications of her decisions and Jane cautiously starts a new relationship with a quirky colleague. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, "Everything we know about 'Big Little Lies' Season 2, from Meryl Streep to Amabella," 6 June 2019 Those compounds contribute a savory, umami taste with no ramifications for your blood pressure or heart disease risk. Lisa Mulcahy, Good Housekeeping, "6 Surprising Mushroom Health Benefits for Your Skin, Brain, and Bones," 3 June 2019 The Federal Trade Commission’s coming resolution of its yearlong investigation of alleged privacy lapses at Facebook Inc. looms as a defining moment for U.S. policy on consumer data, one with lasting ramifications for companies that collect it. John D. Mckinnon, WSJ, "Looming Facebook Fine Points to a Tougher Cop on the Tech Beat," 25 Apr. 2019 The House a short time later sent key legislation involving some 8,000 pages of administrative rules to a committee to die — a move with potentially serious ramifications. Keith Ridler, The Seattle Times, "Idaho Legislature wraps up session that ends with acrimony," 11 Apr. 2019 The region’s real estate market has taken a big hit, residents say, and there is concern about the long-term economic ramifications if people do not get their homes fixed. Washington Post, "In a state with crumbling home foundations, relief arrives," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ramification.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ramification

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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More Definitions for ramification

ramification

noun

English Language Learners Definition of ramification

formal : something that is the result of an action, decision, etc.

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion | \ ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio) \

Kids Definition of ramification

: something that is the result of something else Our committee will study the ramifications of the change.

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion | \ ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio) \

Medical Definition of ramification

1 : the act or process of branching specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches
2 : a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel the ramification of an artery also : the resulting branched structure make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite

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