1
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
students at the private school were once routinely birched for violating the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
always a stern disciplinarian, our father birched anyone who talked back
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of birch
New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025
Because profilin is similar to a protein found in birch pollen, people allergic to birch pollen may also react to celery.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 14 Nov. 2025
Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
While trees — oak, birch, maple — dominate early spring, grass pollen often overlaps in late spring from May to June, leading to higher, more intense allergy loads for sufferers.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for birch
Verb
The fungus and wood fiber combination was applied in thin coats on the surfaces of two types of paper, denim, polyester felt and birch wood veneer, and left in an oven to dry for a day.
—New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025
Because profilin is similar to a protein found in birch pollen, people allergic to birch pollen may also react to celery.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 14 Nov. 2025
Noun
Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the circular lounge and its central bar, which is distinguished by a massive birch tree with gray feathers instead of leaves suspended from branches.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
While trees — oak, birch, maple — dominate early spring, grass pollen often overlaps in late spring from May to June, leading to higher, more intense allergy loads for sufferers.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for birch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for birch
Verb
-
Afterward, Smith didn’t hide his frustration.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Mar. 2026
-
And Elijah Wood provides a cheeky, bemused-insider vibe as the Danforths’ lawyer, who’s overseeing the technicalities and generally hiding behind a lectern when contestants start exploding.—
Jada Yuan,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The spotless streets are polished nightly by the feet of families licking ice cream.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The dog ignored him, and licked the boy’s face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Constructing his earliest works from castoff two-by-fours, Mosley soon progressed to carving small figures and from there to using a chisel and gauge to shape larger abstract forms from fallen logs of hickory, cherry, and sycamore discarded by the city’s parks department.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 Mar. 2026
-
That said, head to the area in late fall, as the surrounding oak and hickory trees put on a brilliant show.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Inside, the home features 10-foot coffered ceilings, white oak floors, and a kitchen with a La Cornue range and light leathered marble countertops.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The texture play looks cool and intentional, like an all-black outfit that layers leather with silk.—
Samantha Brash,
InStyle,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Harvey Prager had been on watch for hours, steering through lashing rain and 20-foot waves in the Yucatan Channel.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Instead of having a rational conversation with Nick, Gloria lashes out and the two split.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The set features stable legs and armrests made of a durable steel frame and handwoven rattan that’s all-weather and easy to clean.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The modern plantation-style decor—lots of warm earthy colors and a touch of rattan—suitably echo the languid tropical surrounds.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Drizzle it into balsamic vinaigrette, or take the plunge and whip it into caramel pots de crème.—
Kristen Hartke,
Saveur,
12 Mar. 2026
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The high waist bunched a little when seated, but it was hardly cause for breaking focus when attempting an inversion (the whipping wind, however, was another story).—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Irons pounds the drums like Bam-Bam smashing on two garbage-can lids.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Surprise, surprise, the drums started pounding for the SOB Act shortly after (though various legislative attempts have floated since Proposition 12 was passed) backed by a Midwestern congresswoman from a Big Pork state.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Birch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/birch. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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