as in tributary
a stream that flows into a larger body of water
several confluents slowly winding their way to the main river
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Recent Examples of confluent
Scholars have proposed different culprits, including malignant confluent smallpox whose symptoms include not only the headache, spots, and sores but also the yellowing of the skin.
—
National Geographic, 19 Nov. 2020
National Geographic, 19 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confluent
tributary
Noun
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The water, too, was wild—the Allegheny and its tributaries had yet to be dammed, and Flag Swamp was noted as one of the last hideouts for beavers in the state.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
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The Blue River is a tributary of the Missouri River, which is a main source of drinking water for the region.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Confluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confluent. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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