tributary 1 of 2

noun

ˈtri-byə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce tributary (audio)
Definition of tributarynext
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

tributary

2 of 2

adjective

as in subordinate

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Dissimilar Words

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 tributary
Noun
But stocks have got so low that, in 2024, the Alaska government, in conjunction with Canada, shut down fishing for king salmon on the Yukon River and its Canadian tributaries for seven years—one complete king-salmon life cycle. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026 One solution is to pay water users upstream, who draw from the same tributary rivers, to adopt conservation practices that let more water reach the lake. — Silvia Console Battilana, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
But these capitalists were encircled for hundreds of years by a sea of subsistence farmers and tributary empires that operated on completely different principles. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 Jan. 2026 History is everywhere in Okinawa, which from 1429 to 1879 was the Ryukyu Kingdom, a tributary state under China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tributary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tributary
  1. headwater
  2. subordinate
  3. branch
  4. assistant
  5. bayou
  6. complementary
  7. feeder
  8. contributory
Noun
  • The proposal for developing a mine there, in a breathtakingly scenic area near the headwaters of the Bitterroot River, has attracted fierce opposition from environmental groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and local officials.
    — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Congress rolled back protections for the Boundary Waters, opening the door to mining in its headwaters.
    — Mary Beth Laughton, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of headwater
Adjective
  • Even under mayoral control in New York City, the city is largely responsible for the public schools’ budget and the mayor appoints not only the chancellor and a majority of school board members but also subordinate superintendents and staff.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Everything remains subordinate to the leader’s needs and whims.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of subordinate
Noun
  • This arrangement allows unrelated branches to accept updates concurrently.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In place of flowers or another traditional funeral offering, my branch of the family would like to start a fund for the children’s future.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of branch
Adjective
  • Nakase also has some NBA experience, becoming an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers in 2017.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Kristen Dessler, assistant director of the Batavia MainStreet group which sponsors the market, said this is the second year the indoor market is being held at the brewery.
    — David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of assistant
Noun
  • The prison is bound on three sides by bayou, bluffs, and swamp; escaping into one’s mind was easier.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Jody enjoys new experiences, cooking, running bayou trails and her goofy golden retriever, Poppy.
    — Jody Schmal, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of bayou
Adjective
  • The greater overall difference is Klay is being paid and utilized as a complementary role player, a specialist.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Mother and daughter have, of course, developed something of a penchant for twinning, whether coordinating their red-carpet looks or stepping out in complementary ensembles.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of complementary
Noun
  • This includes cryogenics, vacuum systems, power supplies, electrical feeders and control systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The first disadvantage is the lack of an automatic document feeder (ADF).
    — David English, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of feeder
Adjective
  • Alzheimer’s disease was a significant contributory factor in Hackman’s death.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 4 May 2026
  • In trademark law, there is contributory liability in two different circumstances.
    — Jess Collen, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of contributory

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tributary
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Cite this Entry

“Tributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tributary. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tributary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tributary

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