ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

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

Whatever the Red Sox decide to do at third base will come with wide-reaching ramifications. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025

The death of the unidentified Swiss volunteer could have significant ramifications on the parliamentary discussions. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

The next restructuring of Deshaun Watson’s contract will save the Browns $36 million, but other big decisions lie ahead — and a potential trade of Garrett would have cap ramifications, too. —Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

The ramifications would prove massive for the hundreds of Americans targeted by McCarthy’s investigations or called to testify before his Senate subcommittee. —Made By History, TIME, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for ramification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

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 

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