Thesaurus results for DISTRIBUTARY

distributary

noun

Definition of distributary

as in tributary

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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

Noun

An ice and rock avalanche from a high-altitude glacier may have triggered the flooding, with a large volume of debris entering the Lende Khola tributary, researchers have said in a preliminary assessment.

— Josh Feldman, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Preliminary evidence suggests a large volume of ice and rock may have plunged into the Lhende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River.

— Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tributary

Noun

Authorities have also begun to reduce the daily number of ships that can transit the canal.

— Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Amid concerns of a further reduction in precipitation and runoff, the canal operator has already imposed multiple draft restrictions for larger Neopanamax vessels to limit the amount of freight carried through the channel.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of canal

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

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distributaries

distributary

distribute

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“Distributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distributary. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of distributary

noun

Example Sentences

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