branches 1 of 2

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

Relevance
2
as in affiliates
a local unit of an organization a bank with many neighborhood branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

branches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of branch

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 branches
Noun
Pipe melted candy melts along the length of the biscuit sticks to form tree trunks, and pipe more chocolate in wavy lines to form tree branches for spooky trees. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 Local forecast updates are issued by regional NWS branches on the agency’s website and social media channels. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 The farmers beat the branches with long sticks and shook them until the olives dropped. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 Other significant experiences include five years at Fila Sport (HDP Group) as head of international business development, before joining the Armani Group in 2003, taking on roles of increasing responsibility both at the Milan headquarters and in foreign branches. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 Scientists, meteorologists, and other branches of the federal government say these assertions are largely incorrect. Stephanie Armour, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 The three branches of government have completely different roles. Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025 How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025 The deal adds more than 350 bank branches to Fifth Third's almost 1,100 locations. Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branches
Noun
  • The tree branches are pretty clumped together, versus having lots of individual limbs to bend.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Check your local listing for CBS affiliates.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The Big Night Out Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton, celebrated 70 years of youth mentoring by one of the largest affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These ancient, natural waterways are former tributaries of the Rio Grande left behind hundreds to thousands of years ago when the river shifted its course.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Once the jaguar is secure on the floatation device, the rescue vessel carries the exhausted predator along the river — one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon — towards land.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The technology is a staple at police departments across the country, documenting encounters with the public and helping clarify questionable incidents and competing claims.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Her why stems from frustration from budget cuts to local health departments.
    Tony Cook, IndyStar, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In New York City, Anne Hathaway embraces Gigi Hadid at a gala, and Blake Lively radiates in all red.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In Play Dirty, viewers can experience the effortlessness that Stanfield radiates.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your treatment team may recommend radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Too much insulin is produced, which causes a spike in carbohydrate metabolism, and phosphate, potassium, and thiamine flow out of the blood and into cells.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But blocking funds is also a way to pressure officials and agencies to comply with the administration’s demands.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The federal government shuttered at the beginning of the month after Congress failed to break a funding deadlock and pass a measure to keep agencies running.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Splatter paints, stems for flowers, spitball fights!
    Lauren Silbert, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Clip stems at different heights to show off each flower’s form, and fill in with foliage.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Branches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branches. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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