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

History of Belden Belden was built upon a tributary of the Feather River in the early 1900s, as the Western Pacific Railroad laid its tracks across Northern California.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
The Middle Patuxent River runs through the property from north to south, fed by numerous tributary streams.

— Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of tributary

Noun

There is carp fencing between the river and the canal in the Lemont area, which may or may not prevent carp from getting into the canal in flood stage.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
The government on Saturday issued an emergency advisory for people living near canals ⁠to move possessions to higher ground.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of canal

Noun

Multiple efforts to allow safe shipping on one of the world's most crucial waterways have failed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
On the Middle East conflict, the two leaders agreed that Iran should fulfil its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, and that no country or entity should impose transit tolls on international waterways.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of waterway

Noun

Notably, the bill allows members to keep their current portfolio and leaves officials in the executive branch untouched.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
The image also appears to show a branch going into the snake’s body, said Greg Pauly, a snake expert with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 29 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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“Distributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distributary. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distributary

noun

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