ramifications
Branching outcomes afterward
Ramifications are the consequences or results that branch out from a decision or event, especially ones that are complex, far-reaching, or unforeseen.
The word carries a sense of spreading effects—one action leading to many outcomes: We hadn't considered the full ramifications of the merger.
Often used in contexts where complications multiply: The legal ramifications could take years to sort out.
Indirect results of actions
- implicationsSuggested but unspoken meanings
- aftermathResults following an event
- falloutPost-blast atmospheric particles
- effectsConsequences or belongings
outcome · results · backlash · sequelae · upshot · corollary · aftereffects · blowback
Division into two branches
- offshootsThings branching from source
- subdivisionsPortions of a whole
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- forksMulti-pronged eating implements
extensions · tributaries · limbs · boughs · proliferation · spreading · network · web
State of elaborate complexity
- interconnectednessState of mutual linkage
- complicationFactor that adds difficulty
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
- entanglementState of being intertwined
convolution · web · labyrinth · tangle · perplexity · multifaceted · far-reaching · layers
repercussions
Indirect results of actions
- implicationsSuggested but unspoken meanings
- aftermathResults following an event
- falloutPost-blast atmospheric particles
effects · outcome · results · backlash · sequelae · upshot · corollary · aftereffects · blowback · side effects
bifurcation
Division into two branches
- offshootsThings branching from source
- subdivisionsPortions of a whole
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
forks · extensions · tributaries · limbs · boughs · proliferation · spreading · network · web · tendrils
intricacy
State of elaborate complexity
- interconnectednessState of mutual linkage
- complicationFactor that adds difficulty
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
entanglement · convolution · web · labyrinth · tangle · perplexity · multifaceted · far-reaching · layers · dimensions
- consequencesconsequence, consequences, result, results, effect
- Long-term effectslegacy, ripple effect, aftermath, repercussions, cumulative effect
- What Could Happenoutcomes, scenarios, possibilities, probabilities, hypotheticals
- legal ramificationsLawful outcomes of actions