root-and-branch
Total and absolute
Root-and-branch describes something thorough and complete, affecting every part of a system or structure.
The phrase evokes pulling up a plant entirely—roots and branches alike—leaving nothing behind.
It typically modifies reform, change, or destruction: The committee recommended root-and-branch reform of the tax code.
They wanted to eliminate corruption root and branch.
Complete and without reservation
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
- completeLacking nothing, fully done
- exhaustiveCovering all possibilities
- totalComplete sum
wholesale · entire · full-scale · all-encompassing · systematic · holistic · wide-ranging · in-depth
Complete systematic repair
- restructureRearrange fundamental organization
- revampRestructure extensively
- transformChange completely in form
- reorganizeArrange again differently
redesign · modernize · reengineer · renew · reshape · realign · rebuild · reconstitute
thoroughgoing
Complete and without reservation
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
- completeLacking nothing, fully done
- exhaustiveCovering all possibilities
total · wholesale · entire · full-scale · all-encompassing · systematic · holistic · wide-ranging · in-depth · extensive
overhaul
Complete systematic repair
- restructureRearrange fundamental organization
- revampRestructure extensively
- transformChange completely in form
reorganize · redesign · modernize · reengineer · renew · reshape · realign · rebuild · reconstitute · remake
root-and-branchpartial
Favoring one side
piecemeal · selective · incomplete · limited · half-hearted
root-and-branchsuperficial
Lacking depth or substance
cosmetic · surface-level · skin-deep · shallow · peripheral
root-and-branchincremental
Proceeding by small additions
gradual · piecemeal · step-by-step · bit-by-bit · evolutionary
root, roots, rooted, rooting, rootless, rootlet, uproot, uprooted, uprooting