as in radiating
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
threads branched from the center of the spider web
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Recent Examples of branching
In nature, the same branching logic can be seen in river networks, trees and the human lung.
—
Lawrence Rosenberg, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The current inscribes some victims’ skin with mysterious scarlike patterns called Lichtenberg figures, which resemble the limbs of a barren tree—or the branching structure of lightning itself.
—Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Prune to establish a strong structure of old wood and branching to support a healthy plant with new green growth.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
What happens next depends on a branching series of events.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026
Utility Jackets Utility jackets are getting a glow-up this season, branching beyond just a functional outdoor layer into a polished style element with shape-hugging cuts, a variety of fabrics, and even more pockets.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Pruning also stimulates branching, which encourages more flowers.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
The Experimental Group started as cocktail connoisseurs with bars in Paris and London before branching into restaurants and rooms, which means these creative libations are probably the best in town.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Still others, including some rodents and rabbits, have differently proportioned or branching structures.
—Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Lawrence Rosenberg, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The current inscribes some victims’ skin with mysterious scarlike patterns called Lichtenberg figures, which resemble the limbs of a barren tree—or the branching structure of lightning itself.
—Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Prune to establish a strong structure of old wood and branching to support a healthy plant with new green growth.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
What happens next depends on a branching series of events.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 16 Mar. 2026
Utility Jackets Utility jackets are getting a glow-up this season, branching beyond just a functional outdoor layer into a polished style element with shape-hugging cuts, a variety of fabrics, and even more pockets.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
Pruning also stimulates branching, which encourages more flowers.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
The Experimental Group started as cocktail connoisseurs with bars in Paris and London before branching into restaurants and rooms, which means these creative libations are probably the best in town.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Still others, including some rodents and rabbits, have differently proportioned or branching structures.
—Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branching
Verb
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There’s a bohemian vibe radiating from Serena & Lily’s Kittery rug, but the rigid grid motif lends the design some structure, a detail that can appeal to more formal design personalities.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
17 Mar. 2026
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Grayson is a strong and beautiful presence, radiating warmth, humor, and style, and sporting a wide range of talents.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Analysts say the targeting of universities, and Iran’s threats of retaliation against academic institutions abroad, point to a widening conflict and potentially diverging objectives among the parties involved.—
Adam Pourahmadi,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
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The survey demonstrated residents had diverging views on what McCarty’s ballot measure hoped to address.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Branching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branching. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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