little, small

cause, set off
The decision caused ripples of concern among the parents.

send
I dropped the pebble in the water, sending ripples across the pond. | His remarks sent a ripple of laughter through the audience.

feel
He felt a small ripple of fear pass through him.

pass/run through sb/sth | spread (across) sth
He watched the ripples spread across the pool.

effect

~ of
A ripple of unease passed through her.

gently, smoothly, softly

across
Small waves rippled gently across the pond.

through
Shock rippled through her.