ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
Synonyms of ramification
1
a
: branch, offshoot
b
: a branched structure
2
a
: 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
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.
Giving hope to Putin The falling-out between the US and Ukraine also has wider geopolitical ramifications, analysts said, and could end up being a gift to the Kremlin’s war effort. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 Ultimately, whoever wins the World Series will merely be setting the stage for an offseason that could have massive ramifications for the sport. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 The abrupt nature of the cutoff and its potentially dangerous military and humanitarian ramifications led to widespread public outcry focused both on Trump for pulling the rug out from under Ukraine and on SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for enabling him. — Georgina Torbet, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 That’s had a big ramification through television until right now. — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ramification

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ramification was in 1578

Rhymes for ramification

See All Rhymes for ramification

Browse Nearby Words

ramie hemp
ramification
ramiform pit
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Cite this Entry

“Ramification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ramification. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ramification

noun
ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce ramification (audio)
1
: the act or process of branching
2
: outgrowth sense 1
the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

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