ripple
11 synonyms for ripple, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.
“The ebbing tide had left ripples in the sand.”
How to use ripple
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ripple effect
ripple through the crowd
Etymology
Believed to come from an alteration of "rimple," an older word for a fold or wrinkle.
Full origin of ripple →Frequently asked questions
What does “ripple” mean?
The word “ripple” means a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water. In plain terms, a small wave, or the spreading effect something has, like a rumor moving through a crowd.
How do you pronounce “ripple”?
“Ripple” is pronounced RIHPL (/ˈɹɪp(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “ripple” in a sentence?
Here is “ripple” used in a sentence: “A stone thrown in the pond sent ripples across the surface.”
What part of speech is “ripple”?
Depending on how it is used, “ripple” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “ripple” a common word?
“Ripple” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ripple” have?
“Ripple” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.
