branches 1 of 2

Definition of branchesnext
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
From branches above her is released a sudden shower of ash keys, which flutter downwards, whirring in circles, until their wild flight is put to a stop by meeting the water’s surface, where they are apprehended and whisked away downstream. Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Bush dinners can also be arranged, set up under the branches of a tree, its branches strung with lanterns. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Beyond lead acting contenders Rhea Seehorn, Carlos-Manuel Vesga and Karolina Wydra, the series will need a lift from the guest acting, directing, writing and artisan branches to get there. Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 June 2026 Trim trees, remove dead branches, secure outdoor furniture, grills and anything that could become airborne in high winds. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Just give the branches a quick fluff after unboxing, and the wreath expands into a full, colorful display. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2026 How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026 The structured silhouette and clean lines feel refined without being flashy, while the durable leather withstands scrapes from branches and changing weather. Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026 But the same cognitive strengths that allow a person to see more possibilities also create more branches to evaluate. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branches
Noun
  • Don’t go anywhere near them or touch any objects that are near them, including tree limbs.
    Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2026
  • Fire officials are urging homeowners to assess trees and tree limbs for safety, especially during the spring growth season and after heavy rain.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, or its parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • The Drillers have suspended their bat dog program, but Gomes said there have been no discussions between the Dodgers and their affiliates about similar promotions.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Nearly 240 million gallons of sewage spilled into the river and its tributaries during eight days after a 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line ruptured in mid-January.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 1 June 2026
  • In Lake Michigan, the chief source of drinking water for Chicago and its suburbs, the pellets spread from tributaries and pour out of dozens of sewage treatment plants ringing the lake.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The feds also track the amount of money that state labor departments are able to recover from those overpayments.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • As more people showed up to the protest, a SWAT team arrived in full riot gear, joined by officers from area police departments and the New Jersey State Police.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The vibrant floral print of this Vince Camuto Maxi Dress practically radiates vacation energy.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • Mineral Milk feels like cozying up with a blanket on a cold beach day, with lavender, sea salt, and an amber accord that radiates warmth.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • First is glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, soothing green tea extract to help with excess oils, coQ10 to improve texture, and vitamin C to fade dark spots.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 31 May 2026
  • Daraxonrasib targets a mutation in a gene called KRAS, which works like an on/off switch controlling how cells grow in the body.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The controller uses audits and reports to hold entities and other governmental agencies accountable.
    Times staff, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • The county’s transient occupancy tax revenue goes to the county’s controversial Community Enhancement Program, which lets county supervisors give grants to nonprofits and public agencies for services that promote tourism, economic development, cultural activities and quality of life.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Pea shoots are the delicate leaves, stems and tendrils of the snow pea plant.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
  • The real lottery win stems directly from the unique circumstances of his roster journey during the 2025-26 campaign.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Branches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branches. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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