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
  • Irrigators and power plant operators can call water to their facilities from upstream reservoirs, like Green Mountain Reservoir, which is on the Blue River -- a tributary of the Colorado River -- north of Silverthorne.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
  • Hazmat materials got dumped right into rivers and tributaries.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of tributary
Noun
  • The brightest things in the picture—that bit of blue heaven and the red-and-white house across the canal—are also the most distant.
    — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • Researchers say the technology could support emergency response operations, temporary bridges, floating markets, event stages, and other on-demand infrastructure for rivers, canals, lakes, and coastal areas.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Definition of canal
Noun
  • As traffic in the waterway decreases, the oil market is facing the same squeeze that has taken millions of barrels offline per day since March.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • The preliminary deal immediately reopened the strait, a critical waterway for the shipment of oil, and established a ceasefire for 60 days.
    — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 15 July 2026
Definition of waterway
Noun
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • The suspect entered a Wells Fargo Bank branch and demanded money from a bank employee.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 15 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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