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distributary

noun

Definition of distributarynext
as in tributary

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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 distributary Delhi gets its water from the Yamuna river, while Kolkata uses water from the Hooghly river, a distributary of the Ganga. — Sanjana Venkatesan, Quartz India, 2 July 2019 In 1831, a pathway was dredged between a distributary of the Mississippi and the Red, leading to the formation of the present Atchafalaya river channel. — Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, 12 Dec. 2017 Saline water has long been invading the delta, but because of the drought there is not enough fresh water in the river and its distributaries to dilute the seawater. — Jane Perlez, New York Times, 28 May 2016 To the left another plume is coming from the Atchafalaya River, a distributary of the Mississippi. — Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2013
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distributary
  1. tributary
  2. canal
  3. waterway
  4. branch
  5. influent
  6. watercourse
Noun
  • The Middle Patuxent River runs through the property from north to south, fed by numerous tributary streams.
    — Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2026
  • While low flows continue to persist in sections of the Colorado River, cold tributaries, deeper-water refuges in narrow canyon reaches, and larger pools provide cool refuges for fish.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of tributary
Noun
  • Yet Chinatown, the oldest canals and quieter walks towards the eastern harbor district all begin just behind the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • As the deep snow melted, runoff flowed into reservoirs and canals, even inundating roads and fields.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of canal
Noun
  • Very few shipments have made the trip since March, when Iran in effect shut the waterway.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Some cities use a grid that's aligned not with the compass but with local geography, like waterways or mountains.
    — Bill Chappell, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of waterway
Noun
  • Taylor represents one of the many branches that’s continually sprouting from the Nick Saban coaching tree, having worked under the legendary coach at Alabama as a graduate assistant from 2007 to 2008.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The branches are labelled with tentative letters, almost apologetically.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of branch
Noun
  • So far, the city has completed several major components of the Springbrook improvement project, including adding in an ultraviolet disinfection system that replaced the facility’s old chlorine disinfection system and adding new pumps at the influent pump station.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The influent flow is slowed to allow human and food organic waste to settle on the bottom of the tank.
    — The Seattle Times, The Seattle Times, 29 Apr. 2017
Definition of influent
Noun
  • Father and son were swept away by a landslide in the city of Arequipa in a neighborhood built directly over an ancient natural watercourse.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
  • At the same time, there are riparian natives — those that grow along watercourses — which may need regular attention in terms of water needs for many years after planting.
    — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of watercourse

Browse Nearby Words

distributaries
distributary
distribute
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Cite this Entry

“Distributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distributary. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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