branch 1 of 2

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

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

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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

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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

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branch

2 of 2

verb

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
Congress has delegated its constitutional tariff power to the executive branch and the courts generally defer as well on matters framed as defending national security. Bob Davis, Time, 12 Apr. 2025 That approach comes straight from Lee’s coaching tree, which features a key branch that sprouted from his Boston days. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
As branching coral look-alikes, the cuttlefish splayed out their arms and displayed dark mottles to blend in with staghorn coral. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 That demand–along with Ruf’s personal connections–led him to branch into headhunting in a unique niche. Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for branch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for branch
Noun
  • The polio virus attacks the nervous system and often leads to paralysis of lower limbs and, in severe cases, the muscles that control breathing.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Children often bear the heaviest burden, paying the price of war with their health and, in some cases, their limbs.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The University must immediately establish procedures by which any Harvard affiliate can report noncompliance with the reforms detailed in this letter to both university leadership and the federal government.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Pomeranz is expected to be active for the Cubs on Wednesday, a league source told The Athletic. Pomeranz, who has not pitched in the majors since 2021, had an upward mobility clause in his contract with the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • McIlroy had a big target from 82 yards with a lob wedge and put it into the tributary of Rae’s Creek in front of the par-5 13th green for a double bogey.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The play becomes a delta itself, where tributary identities—Muslim, Yoruba, traditional, modern—mingle and, when the priest’s hypocrisy is exposed, surge toward confrontation.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Penn State athletic department also credits former Penn State club ice hockey coach Joe Battista, a former school administrator who played a pivotal in securing the original donation from the Pegulas and oversaw the early development of the men’s and women’s D-I programs.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • According to the department of corrections, about 13,000 people — nearly half the state’s prison population — have such risk ratings, although not all of them are eligible for parole.
    Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even outside of the event season, Pismo radiates that classic California charm with wide-open beaches, fresh seafood, and a town that greets everyone with a smile.
    Pismo Beach Conference and Visitor Bureau, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Today, most of Micanopy’s activity radiates from Cholokka Boulevard.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For example, if an accumulation of cells block the bile ducts, a patient can develop cirrhosis, or liver damage.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Human retinas typically have three types of cone cells, which are what allow our eyes to detect various wavelengths of light.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During an April 22 press conference, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency intends to revoke approvals for certain dyes and work alongside industry leaders to achieve elimination of the additives.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Processing times, country caps, and adjudication standards would all need to be codified, either through legislation or agency rule-making.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To make, follow these steps: Show kids how to fold pre-cut construction paper leaves and stems. Attach them to the tops of your eggs with glue dots.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The Better Homes & Gardens melamine collection at Walmart is not short on new additions, so consider options like these 17-ounce stemmed wine glasses, serving trays, cereal bowls that are equally as perfect for ice cream, and funky straws ready to dress up a drink.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Branch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/branch. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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