branch 1 of 2

1
as in limb
a major outgrowth from the main stem of a woody plant I loved climbing among the branches of that old tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in affiliate
a local unit of an organization a bank with many neighborhood branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in tributary
a stream that flows into a larger body of water the Blue Nile, the Atbara, and the White Nile are the three primary branches of the Nile River

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in department
a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization the two branches of the U.S. Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

branch

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of branch
Noun
Turki hailed from a minor branch of the sprawling family, meaning his upbringing was still relatively ordinary — though his name would prove significant in the years to come. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 Once the mating process has ended, female cicadas deposit their eggs in tree branches. Taylor Johnston, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
As branching coral look-alikes, the cuttlefish splayed out their arms and displayed dark mottles to blend in with staghorn coral. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 That demand–along with Ruf’s personal connections–led him to branch into headhunting in a unique niche. Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for branch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branch
Noun
  • The polio virus attacks the nervous system and often leads to paralysis of lower limbs and, in severe cases, the muscles that control breathing.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Children often bear the heaviest burden, paying the price of war with their health and, in some cases, their limbs.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The University must immediately establish procedures by which any Harvard affiliate can report noncompliance with the reforms detailed in this letter to both university leadership and the federal government.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Jurors received the case around 4 p.m. on Monday and resumed deliberations Tuesday morning, according to New Haven’s ABC affiliate, WTHN.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • McIlroy had a big target from 82 yards with a lob wedge and put it into the tributary of Rae’s Creek in front of the par-5 13th green for a double bogey.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The play becomes a delta itself, where tributary identities—Muslim, Yoruba, traditional, modern—mingle and, when the priest’s hypocrisy is exposed, surge toward confrontation.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dugan’s criminal complaint shows she has been charged with concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest, and obstructing or impeding a proceeding before a federal department or agency.
    Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Hegseth ordered each military department to review its military Equal Opportunity (EO) and civilian Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, according to a memo dated Thursday and released Friday.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even outside of the event season, Pismo radiates that classic California charm with wide-open beaches, fresh seafood, and a town that greets everyone with a smile.
    Pismo Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Today, most of Micanopy’s activity radiates from Cholokka Boulevard.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For example, if an accumulation of cells block the bile ducts, a patient can develop cirrhosis, or liver damage.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Human retinas typically have three types of cone cells, which are what allow our eyes to detect various wavelengths of light.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During an April 22 press conference, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency intends to revoke approvals for certain dyes and work alongside industry leaders to achieve elimination of the additives.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Processing times, country caps, and adjudication standards would all need to be codified, either through legislation or agency rule-making.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To make, follow these steps: Show kids how to fold pre-cut construction paper leaves and stems. Attach them to the tops of your eggs with glue dots.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Many kinds bloom on new wood — stems that have grown this year.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branch. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on branch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!