Synonyms of branches

branches 1 of 2

noun

plural of branch

1

as in limbs

a major outgrowth from the main stem of a woody plant

I loved climbing among the branches of that old tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

• limbs
• twigs
• boughs
• shoots
• branchlets
• spurs
• offshoots
• sprigs
• sprays
• outgrowths

2

as in affiliates

a local unit of an organization

a bank with many neighborhood branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

• affiliates
• cells
• chapters
• councils
• locals
• wings
• arms
• divisions
• offshoots
• posts
• lodges
• subchapters

3

as in tributaries

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tributaries
• feeders
• bayous
• affluents
• headwaters
• sources
• backwaters
• creeks
• confluents
• rivulets
• influents
• brooks
• streamlets
• rills
• runs
• brooklets
• heads
• headstreams
• fountainheads

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• effluents
• distributaries

4

as in departments

a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization

the two branches of the U.S. Congress

Synonyms & Similar Words

• departments
• agencies
• offices
• bureaus
• services
• desks
• arms
• divisions
• subdivisions
• subdepartments

branches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of branch

as in radiates

to extend outwards from or as if from a central point

threads branched from the center of the spider web

Synonyms & Similar Words

• radiates
• stems
• rays
• flows
• diverges
• fans (out)
• derives
• emanates
• splits
• parts
• proceeds
• diffuses
• arises
• forks
• divides
• dispels
• spreads
• disperses
• springs
• separates
• ramifies
• dissipates
• issues
• scatters
• unlinks
• splays
• unyokes
• uncouples

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• focuses
• approaches
• meets
• concentrates
• converges
• funnels
• centers (on)
• links
• couples
• connects
• joins
• unites
• nears
• closes in (on)
• centralizes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of branches

Noun

Because the sites are generally located at least 100 feet away from any trails, visiting them can require bushwhacking through swampy terrain or dense undergrowth, dodging branches and the occasional cobweb. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Republicans control the White House and both branches of Congress, helping bolster their financial coffers against their Democratic counterparts, Martin noted in his remarks. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026

Two people in New Orleans fall in love under an oak tree whose branches bend like sorrow. — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Besides, there are tree branches to bundle, coupons to clip, guacamole to toss out, incredulous news reports to run through Snopes and at least 20 spam texts to block. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Now researchers have found the first direct evidence of this in animals, showing that neurons’ many branches, called dendrites, can compute information independently of the cell body. — Ajdina Halilovic, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026

Pines with branches sweeping the ground provide protection from cold winds and raptors alike. — Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

When cutting them back in the fall for the winter, leave a few branches for wildlife to use for protection, but be sure to remove all of the dead branches to reduce the risk of diseases. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Pain-sensitive nerve endings surrounding the palate’s blood vessels activate branches of the trigeminal nerve, the major cranial nerve that carries sensory information about pain, touch, and temperature from the face and head to the brain. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

His demise, paired with the disappearance of mobster-type Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), sets the trio on the first phase of their adventures, which inevitably branches into fresh red herrings in customary Only Murders fashion. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025