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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The case is being investigated by ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the branch that investigates misconduct involving ICE employees as well as people suspected of falsely representing themselves as agency personnel. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026 The two branches of his life no longer have to exist separately. — Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
In James’s hands, these branching options can seem to amount to distinctions without a difference. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Pink Beach on Komodo Island offers another relatively gentle snorkeling stop, with branching corals and sea fans frequented by parrotfish and anemonefish, among other species. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 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
  • In many instances no pruning is required, as the tree regrows needed limbs.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Among those participating was Catherlen Moore, a former Broward Health security officer who lost all her limbs to an illness.
    — Mike Stocker, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of limb
Noun
  • Restrictions also were placed on affiliate fee negotiations for cable channels, and requirements for negotiating separately.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
  • One person inside a vehicle involved in the first crash was transported to a local hospital, CBS affiliate KTVT reported.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of affiliate
Noun
  • The Middle Patuxent River runs through the property from north to south, fed by numerous tributary streams.
    — Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2026
  • While low flows continue to persist in sections of the Colorado River, cold tributaries, deeper-water refuges in narrow canyon reaches, and larger pools provide cool refuges for fish.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of tributary
Noun
  • Since joining the program in July 2025, FDLE has announced the arrests of hundreds of immigrants accused of various crimes in days-long operations in which agents collaborated with local police departments and ICE.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Kao was born in Taiwan and has made major donations to engineering departments at University of Kansas and Kansas State.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of department
Verb
  • In photos taken by celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, the human rights activist could be seen radiating in a sunshine yellow sundress with a polarizing silhouette.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Barbara and Ibby forge a friendship that’s unexpectedly compelling because of the strength of the two actors, radiating an interiority that isn’t on the page.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of radiate
Noun
  • These viruses, known as retroviruses, insert a DNA copy of their RNA sequence into the host cell’s genome, hijacking the cell’s resources to reproduce themselves.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
  • If these genes stop working, abnormal cells may survive and multiply.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of cell
Noun
  • Makary's time at the agency was defined by scientific disputes, leadership changes and a string of media stories detailing low morale and internal dysfunction among staffers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The agency said the father and son sustained injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of agency
Verb
  • But to Schottenheimer, Jones’ defensive mind stems a lot further.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Cut Itoh peonies to the point where the green stems become woody.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on branch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about branch

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