distributary

Definition of distributarynext

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 By the 1950s, scientists noticed the consequences: more water was going down the Atchafalaya River, a distributary of the Mississippi. Boyce Upholt, Time, 9 May 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
  • The glaciers of Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi are the sources of one of those tributaries—the Río Napo.
    Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous waterways, and its stretch of the Colorado River and its tributaries are protected.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Quatisha’s body was found in a canal days later by fishermen.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Pap smears, on the other hand, use a metal or plastic device called a speculum to widen the vaginal canal so a clinician can swab the cervix for cells.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The state also has an above average number of polluted waterways and more coal ash ponds — small, toxic water bodies near coal plants where poisonous refuse is discarded — than any other state.
    Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Matthew Adler also called for more regulations on Florida waterways, noting there are far fewer rules for people operating boats than operating cars, the Independent reported.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Congress, as the legislative branch, needs to seek bipartisan solutions to some of the major problems facing the United States today.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The project, which was listed as the third highest priority in the Facilities Plan, included installing new screenings and grit removal facilities, demolishing an existing influent pump station and installing a new pump station, and making other improvements, according to a staff report.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • More adventurous canyoneering trips, like Eye of the Needle, feature multiple rappels up to 200 feet in a flowing watercourse and an ascent back from the canyon floor using steel cables in the sandstone.
    Nicholas DeRenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distributary. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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