as in headwater
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in subordinate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tributary
Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
Africa’s largest tank battle since World War II was fought over a bridge at the confluence of the Cuito and Cuanavale Rivers, the Okavango’s two major tributaries in the eastern Angolan Highlands.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023
Sometimes the killers may be Chechens maybe organized by Putin’s other feral favourite, his tributary ruler of Russia’s Chechen republic, Kadyrov.
—Time, 24 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for tributary
Noun
Despite being on the Patapsco River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, its name had nothing to do with Maryland or Baltimore.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2026
Africa’s largest tank battle since World War II was fought over a bridge at the confluence of the Cuito and Cuanavale Rivers, the Okavango’s two major tributaries in the eastern Angolan Highlands.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
That salty, terminal lake had its tributary water diverted away by the city of Los Angeles, turning it into a dry salt flat.
—Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023
Sometimes the killers may be Chechens maybe organized by Putin’s other feral favourite, his tributary ruler of Russia’s Chechen republic, Kadyrov.
—Time, 24 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for tributary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tributary
Noun
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That snowpack forms the headwaters of rivers including the Colorado, the Rio Grande, and the Arkansas.—
Rebecca Boyle,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2026
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Previous spills in Flint River The headwaters of the Flint River, which flows south all the way to Florida, begin from seepage around the area of the Atlanta airport, meaning any contaminants from that area can reach the river more easily.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There can never again be a DED, even if Sherrill promises that Roehrenbeck will be subordinate to Garcia.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
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The inspector general's investigation found that Reece and Ruff — who were supervisor and subordinate — did not disclose their romantic relationship, which is a violation of a city executive order.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Now, that process has spread to the rest of the branches of the armed forces.—
Lauren Hodges,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
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The Discovery Ride can help families see it all, and the Apple House Market offers a window on the process of growing and shipping trees and how apples go from branch to market.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The mayor did not provide specifics on either plan in question with reporters following the address, referring to the MetroRail plan as a vision and the bayou taxi plan as preliminary.—
Abby Church,
Houston Chronicle,
12 Feb. 2026
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Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain Down the bayou in the fictional town of La Cachette, Louisiana, Grey’s best friend, Elora, disappeared.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Brian Payne, an assistant public defender in Mecklenburg, requested a bond be allowed for Gales due to a disability and poor health, but Judge Keith Smith would not allow bond.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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Reid said Mahomes is working with Julie Frymyer, the team’s assistant trainer and physical therapist.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Plus, their diverse food supply supports a wider variety of birds than feeders do.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In addition to tables and seating, look for complementary pieces like umbrellas, weighted bases, side tables, plant stands, and potting benches.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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For example, purple and yellow are frequently used in a complementary, contrasting color scheme.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With thousands of families afraid to leave their homes and with no source of income, mutual aid networks, large and small, ramped up to offer everything from food delivery to rent assistance to laundry service.—
Nick Woltman,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
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Two sources who attended the party described witnessing a loud verbal exchange between Nick Reiner and his parents.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tributary. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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