1
2
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
as in to radiate
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
threads branched from the center of the spider web
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Removing weak branches also prevents breakage during snowfall or strong winds.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026
That same year, Netflix branched into original programming with House of Cards, a political thriller featuring Kevin Spacey.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for branch
Noun
When feasible, leave some dead branches on living trees to provide something for the birds to perch on.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Removing weak branches also prevents breakage during snowfall or strong winds.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
There’s nothing like it out there (for now, Exodus is coming for that crown), and its branching narrative and engaging roster of companions are among the genre’s best.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 1 Mar. 2026
That same year, Netflix branched into original programming with House of Cards, a political thriller featuring Kevin Spacey.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for branch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branch
Noun
-
The current inscribes some victims’ skin with mysterious scarlike patterns called Lichtenberg figures, which resemble the limbs of a barren tree—or the branching structure of lightning itself.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Please send your reports of hail or wind damage, including trees or large limbs downed, by calling the National Weather Service office in Wilmington at 1 800 697 3901.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Simmons' mother, Cheryl Simmons, recalled to CBS affiliate WBNS Friday the moment uniformed officers arrived at their home to deliver the news.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links.—
Alexis Redding,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
All of western Colorado relies on water from the river and its tributaries.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Since launching Delfin in 2006, Urteaga has worked hand in hand with Amazonian communities, primarily those within the Marañón and Ucayali river systems and their tributaries, to create a two-way dialogue between travelers and those who call the area home.—
Lale Arikoglu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That criticism helped spur a push in Lakewood to create an independent civilian oversight board for the city’s police department.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The impasse has triggered the partial shutdown of the department, which also affects the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Among the most notable is Teatro del Bíobío, a performing arts venue in the city of Concepción that, by night, radiates warm light through a semi-translucent facade like a paper lantern.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Spradlin said Straw Bale radiates understated warmth, while Autumnal Peach brings a dry and sun-infused heat.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The jury appears to have been persuaded by prosecutors’ argument that the defendants were members of an antifa cell connected to an ideology that calls for the overthrow of the government.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Another prison guard, Michael Thomas, is the one who discovered Epstein in his cell.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Before the preseason games even happen, there’s a lot to do with an expansion draft for Portland and Toronto as well as free agency for 80% of the league.—
Doug Feinberg,
Twin Cities,
17 Mar. 2026
-
In the first week of free agency, that focus was on display.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And, can anything stem the bleeding?—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
As the historic disruption to energy supply persists, countries have scrambled to stem the economic impact by curbing consumption, capping fuel prices and tapping into emergency oil reserves.—
Luciana Lopez,
CNN Money,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branch. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
