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

Have the developers of artificial intelligence thought through the potential ramifications and unexpected consequences of this outcome? —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

Yet Russell’s likability also throws the character’s crimes into relief, making their horrors and ramifications more striking and unsettling by their contrast with his superficial amiability. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Apr. 2026

There's also a bit of decision-making involved, but the full ramifications are impossible to evaluate in a short preview like this. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Time will tell which teams did the best in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the ramifications from this year’s three-day marathon are far more immediate. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026

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