offshoot

noun

ˈȯf-ˌshüt How to pronounce offshoot (audio)
Definition of offshootnext
1
as in limb
a branch of a main stem especially of a plant we knew the rosebush had survived the harsh winter when it began producing offshoots and turning green again

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in derivative
something that naturally develops or is developed from something else opened a shop selling fancy foods as an offshoot of their very successful restaurant

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 offshoot Trustees already managed separate health systems through a not-for-profit that was primed to take ownership of its athletics offshoot. — James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 In many ways, these doodads seem like an offshoot of the ongoing craze for NeeDoh squish toys, which likewise offer the comforts of the stress ball and vital early lessons in consumerism. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 The Perseids, like all meteors, are offshoots from comets, specifically the Swift-Tuttle Comet which orbits the Sun every 133 years. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Paradise Lost, the Wonder Woman offshoot, is also still in development but not at HBO at this time. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for offshoot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for offshoot
  1. limb
  2. derivative
  3. outgrowth
  4. derivation
  5. sprout
  6. derivate
  7. shoot
  8. growth
Noun
  • The axolotl, which comes from the shrinking wetlands of Mexico City, is known for its rare ability to regrow limbs and other body parts.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Here the picture gets both less clear and, like the gods’ and goddesses’ limbs and faces, more manifold.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of limb
Noun
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission oversees securities, while the Commodity Futures Trading Commission handles derivatives, including futures and prediction markets.
    — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Appliances, dairy products including cheese, fish and seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivatives will face 25% tariffs.
    — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of derivative
Noun
  • But the current gym craze is an outgrowth of her and her parents’ generations.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • The comic is an outgrowth of Shaboozey’s upcoming album The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, which bows July 31.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
Definition of outgrowth
Noun
  • Many forms of divination have been practiced historically in Africa, but divination techniques found in Hoodoo have sometimes been of European derivation; for instance, Hoodoo frequently employs cartomancy, or divination using playing cards.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And woven into every page and at each chapter heading are gorgeous language derivations.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Definition of derivation
Noun
  • And now several dozen people across 15 states have become ill after eating alfalfa sprouts in a new outbreak that involves salmonella and E coli.
    — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and onions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprout
Noun
  • While Apple shares were up more than 4% in trading Friday, all of the derivate plays were trading in the red.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 May 2026
  • With unique enough lore and a unique style, Saxon avoids making a derivate fable.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of derivate
Noun
  • On April 21, Hulu revealed that production on season five was picking up, confirming that Paul did not return to film confessional interviews, but only to participate in the opening title shoot.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In late July, the nonprofit FilmLA reported that feature film shoots were down 20% in the second quarter versus last year.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of shoot
Noun
  • His core economic platform focuses on reshaping Britain's growth model through regional devolution, skills system reforms, and regional re-industrialization.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That approach has led him to bet on sectors from defense to life sciences, and trends like the growth of India’s middle class.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of growth

Browse Nearby Words

offsetting
offshoot
offshoots
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Cite this Entry

“Offshoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/offshoot. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on offshoot

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about offshoot

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