as in headwaters
a stream that flows into a larger body of water
the Amazon and its more than 1,000 known tributaries form the world's largest drainage basin
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Recent Examples of tributaries
Nearly 240 million gallons of sewage spilled into the river and its tributaries during eight days after a 72-inch section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line ruptured in mid-January.
—
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 1 June 2026
In Lake Michigan, the chief source of drinking water for Chicago and its suburbs, the pellets spread from tributaries and pour out of dozens of sewage treatment plants ringing the lake.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
The road runs alongside the Madeira River — one of the Amazon River’s main tributaries that has suffered from droughts that disrupt cargo transport.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
In Belgium, culvert removals in the Anlier forest are reconnecting smaller tributaries that play an important role in local biodiversity.
—Radina Gigova, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
Pocahontas’ father Wahunsonacock – whom colonists and Disney called Powhatan – was the paramount chief of the Powhatans, who lived in communities along the edges of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
—Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 25 May 2026
With very few exceptions, an end was declared, not only to empires, but also to city-states, duchies, principalities, emirates, sultanates, caliphates, khanates, agencies, princely states, colonies, suzerains, dependencies, mandates, tributaries, condominia and protectorates.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The company operates 17 hydropower facilities on the Snake River and its tributaries, and also buys hydropower seasonally from 68 small-scale projects across its service area, according to Bowlin.
—Angela Palermo
may 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2026
Explore the Paraná’s tributaries in the hotel’s launch.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 1 June 2026
In Lake Michigan, the chief source of drinking water for Chicago and its suburbs, the pellets spread from tributaries and pour out of dozens of sewage treatment plants ringing the lake.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
The road runs alongside the Madeira River — one of the Amazon River’s main tributaries that has suffered from droughts that disrupt cargo transport.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
In Belgium, culvert removals in the Anlier forest are reconnecting smaller tributaries that play an important role in local biodiversity.
—Radina Gigova, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
Pocahontas’ father Wahunsonacock – whom colonists and Disney called Powhatan – was the paramount chief of the Powhatans, who lived in communities along the edges of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
—Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 25 May 2026
With very few exceptions, an end was declared, not only to empires, but also to city-states, duchies, principalities, emirates, sultanates, caliphates, khanates, agencies, princely states, colonies, suzerains, dependencies, mandates, tributaries, condominia and protectorates.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The company operates 17 hydropower facilities on the Snake River and its tributaries, and also buys hydropower seasonally from 68 small-scale projects across its service area, according to Bowlin.
—Angela Palermo
may 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2026
Explore the Paraná’s tributaries in the hotel’s launch.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tributaries
Noun
-
The headwaters of the Yadkin River were not located in the area of heaviest rainfall and the threat for flooding has ended there.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2026
-
Last month, Congress used the CRA to remove protections against mining for roughly 225,000 acres at the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.—
Scott Braden,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
From branches above her is released a sudden shower of ash keys, which flutter downwards, whirring in circles, until their wild flight is put to a stop by meeting the water’s surface, where they are apprehended and whisked away downstream.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
Bush dinners can also be arranged, set up under the branches of a tree, its branches strung with lanterns.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
On that note, the ACRC survey reported that 52% of affluents were disappointed with the options presented by luxury brands.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This should prevent one hummer from dominating all feeders.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
-
Be sure to pick up fallen fruits, veggies, flowers, and branches, and clean up the bird seed under feeders, too.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The coalition is urging the state to find new sources of funding for the work.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Authorities currently believe the woman shot the man and children before shooting herself, The LA Times reports, citing law enforcement sources.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tributaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tributaries. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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