branch 1 of 2

Definition of branchnext
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

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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

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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

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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
Thinning to three fruit per cluster will not only provide a better chance for fruit the following year but may save branches from breaking under the heavy load of an unthinned crop. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
Now is the time to prune back stems to create a uniform, fuller shape and promote branching for more flowers next season. Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026 The branching story will explore a galactic conspiracy, revealing that humanity's development has been influenced by dark powers beyond our comprehension. Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for branch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branch
Noun
  • Most of them were in the South, where weekend blasts of freezing rain caused tree limbs and power lines to snap, inflicting crippling outages on northern Mississippi and parts of Tennessee.
    Charlotte Kramon, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • No new precipitation is expected in Oncor’s service area on Monday but tree limbs with ice on them continue to sag and break onto power lines.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • During the first few days of operation, only 50 people per day will be allowed to cross both ways, Egypt’s state-affiliates AlQahera News reported on Monday, citing an unidentified source.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy From 'Goldilocks-fit' layers to a double-wide chair built for stargazing, these are the gear essentials our editors—and their partners—actually love.
    The Editors, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Despite being on the Patapsco River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, its name had nothing to do with Maryland or Baltimore.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Africa’s largest tank battle since World War II was fought over a bridge at the confluence of the Cuito and Cuanavale Rivers, the Okavango’s two major tributaries in the eastern Angolan Highlands.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Nanos and the sheriff's department did not return requests for comment.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Although the department’s immigration push has been infused with tens of billions of dollars in funds from legislation Congress passed last year, a shutdown of operations could affect other parts of the department’s budget, including TSA and FEMA.
    Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • An ice dam occurs when the snow piled on your roof begins to melt from the sun or the heat radiating from your home.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Blue tangs radiate different colors, depending on their moods.
    Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • It’s formulated with calcium to promote new cell growth, adenosine to fill in wrinkles, collagen to maintain your skin’s density and thickness, elastin to restore stretched skin, and Vitamin D for rejuvenation.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Altos Labs, one of the highest-profile bets on cell rejuvenation, launched with $3 billion in funding in 2022 and reportedly counts Amazon founder and the world’s fourth-wealthiest person Jeff Bezos as an early backer.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • It is made available to other agencies as needed about 200 days out of the year, usually for a fee to cover the cost of operations.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The company also said that forecasts generated by its tools could be created independently, allowing government agencies and companies to control their own information.
    Joe Wertz, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Dry stems indicate the fruit has aged.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In 2022 and 2023, the Fed hiked interest rates from near 0% to a decades-long high, aiming to stem the worst inflation in around 40 years.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branch. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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