branch 1 of 2

noun

ˈbranch How to pronounce branch (audio)
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

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

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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

as in to radiate
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point threads branched from the center of the spider web

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
In the last decade, mussels have been released along both branches of the DuPage River, various tributaries and waterways. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Textures feel nearly tangible, from the rough bark of the branch to the fine iridescence of the feathers. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
The mycelium—the branching network of microscopic filaments that makes up most of a fungus—has been made into leather alternatives, packaging, insulation and even building materials. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 But along the way, a single musing can turn into many more, like branching rows of dominoes setting off new lines of inquiry about the world. — Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for branch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branch
  1. limb
  2. affiliate
  3. tributary
  4. department
  5. radiate
  6. cell
  7. agency
  8. stem
Noun
  • Public health staff said people over 50 and residents with health problems are at a greater risk of serious illnesses, including meningitis, encephalitis and limb paralysis.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Here, Varghese coordinates their physical therapy, builds their braces, fabricates their prostheses, and operates on their limbs, should things come to that.
    — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of limb
Noun
  • Before her death, several Ruston businesses participated in a fundraiser to celebrate Lillian’s birthday and donate part of their proceeds to the family, according to CNN affiliate KNOE.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The apartment complex was owned by an affiliate of AvalonBay.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of affiliate
Noun
  • In the last decade, mussels have been released along both branches of the DuPage River, various tributaries and waterways.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Brahmaputra and its tributaries carry enormous amounts of sediment from the Himalayas, continually reshaping channels, banks and river islands.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of tributary
Noun
  • Anyone in Livingston County who believes they've been exposed is asked to capture the bat, report the exposure by filling out a form on the health department's website and call department staff at 517‑552‑6882 for testing guidance and next steps.
    — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The state has only seen three cases during that period, the department said.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of department
Verb
  • The map shows other towers close by, each radiating a string that is fastened to the map when other towers radio in readings.
    — Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The scenes radiate the joy of being young, attractive, and filled with infinite free time and minimal distractions except the open sky above you.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of radiate
Noun
  • But the lawsuit states that Griego suffered an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the delivery, meaning the fluid surrounding the fetus or fetal cells had entered her bloodstream, which can cause sudden heart-lung collapse and massive bleeding.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Then York arranges a $140 encounter on a Sunday morning, and lands in a jail cell with a mug-shot that will never go away.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of cell
Noun
  • The agreement Hansen describes would be a much larger legal matter than a standard screening NDA, and would not be asked of other individuals screening the film — including press and third-party marketing agencies.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The era also marked a turning point for the mob in Las Vegas, as the FBI turned a more critical eye on organized crime in the city and a new state gaming agency began investigating casinos more aggressively.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of agency
Verb
  • As for Warsh, investors will look for clues on how the Fed can stem the recent rout in bond prices that has sent yields to multi-year highs.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • And that was despite dealing with external noise stemming leading up to his tenure from when Wisconsin tried to block his transfer request.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of stem

Phrases Containing branch

Browse Nearby Words

brambly
branch
branched
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Cite this Entry

“Branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branch. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on branch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about branch

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