bifurcates

verb

present tense third-person singular of bifurcate
as in subdivides
formal to undergo division into two parts The stream bifurcated into two narrow winding channels.

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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 bifurcates While designing the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain, in the 1990s, the architect would sit by the river that bifurcates the city, looking at different metal treatments. — Belinda Luscombe, Time, 6 Dec. 2025 For example, Highway 17 currently bifurcates a piece planners hope to lock in through Los Gatos. — San Francisco Chronicle, 30 July 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bifurcates
  1. divides
  2. separates
  3. splits
Verb
  • From there, they’re eased gently into a bagel machine that divides the dough into rings.
    — HubSpot, HubSpot, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The collapse of institutional rivalry The separation of powers divides authority among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government to prevent too much power from becoming concentrated in any one place.
    — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of divides
Verb
  • In addition, the granite counter ends in a peninsula that separates the kitchen from the informal eating area and seats four people comfortably.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
  • When yogurt starts to spoil, the liquid (whey) separates from the solids.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of separates
Verb
  • On one side of this debate is economist Gabriel Zucman, a leading advocate for taxing the superrich who splits his time between UC Berkeley and the Paris School of Economics.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Fifty-seven percent favor maintaining diplomatic relations, and the community splits 50% to 48% on whether there should be unrestricted travel to Cuba for all Americans.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of splits

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Cite this Entry

“Bifurcates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bifurcates. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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