Disclosed is a process for preparing branched polyarylene ether polymers by (A) providing a reaction mixture comprising (i) a polyfunctional phenol compound of the formula Ar(OH).sub.x wherein x.gtoreq.3 and wherein Ar is an aryl moiety or an alkylaryl moiety, provided that when Ar is an alkylaryl moiety at least three of the --OH groups are bonded to an aryl portion thereof, (ii) one or more linear polymers of the formula ##STR00001## wherein m is 0 or 1, A and B are as defined herein, and n is an integer representing the number of repeat monomer units, and (iii) a carbonate base; and (B) heating the reaction mixture and removing generated water from the reaction mixture, thereby effecting a polymerization reaction.