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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as in subordinate
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of tributary
Atika Shubert, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024
Soto watched as a group of men wearing wetsuits, masks and snorkels swam in Wooley Creek, a tributary of the Salmon River, searching in the clear water for juvenile chinook and coho salmon.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Catherine Porter, New York Times, 6 June 2023
This was a tributary version of the break-up and floe of ice that historically has happened in all the Great Lakes.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for tributary 
Noun
The water came rushing down the rivers and tributaries towards the Mediterranean Sea, picking up cars and destroying bridges along the way.
—Atika Shubert, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024
Soto watched as a group of men wearing wetsuits, masks and snorkels swam in Wooley Creek, a tributary of the Salmon River, searching in the clear water for juvenile chinook and coho salmon.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The edges of the country roads are decorated by tributary statues and banners flashing the faces of Allied soldiers who died in the fight.
—Catherine Porter, New York Times, 6 June 2023
This was a tributary version of the break-up and floe of ice that historically has happened in all the Great Lakes.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for tributary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tributary
Noun
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The French Broad River is one of a few dozen rivers in the U.S. that flow north, from its headwaters near Rosman, North Carolina, through the Appalachian range and into Tennessee.Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
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The Milwaukee River basin spans more than 880 square miles across southeastern Wisconsin, from the river's headwaters in Fond du Lac County to its outlet into Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The social critique was still in there but subordinate to these rich, comically flawed characters, each getting something like their own book.Adam Moss, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024
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The four-star Army general in charge of U.S. Central Command is under investigation on allegations of pushing a subordinate service member during a recent trip to the Middle East, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the investigation.Courtney Kube, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Vought authored a chapter in the controversial Project 2025 policy agenda on the Executive Office of the President of the United States and will be in charge of overseeing the White House budget and implementation of Trump’s policies throughout the executive branch.Sara Dorn, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
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At the federal level, a new farm bill being drafted in Congress — an extensive piece of legislation that sets agricultural and conservation policy nationwide — could address regulatory rollbacks from the executive and judicial branches.Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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To date, that is the first official comment Del Rey has made following what was reportedly a low-key wedding that People magazine reported took place on the bayou in Des Allemandes, Louisiana on Sept. 26.Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2024
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The attraction will take guests through the bayou as Tiana prepares to throw a big Mardi Gras bash, to which everyone is invited.Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024
Noun
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Here’s how to get rid of voles Raccoons Raccoons are clever, opportunistic feeders, eating whatever’s readily available, including plant and animal matter, garbage, pet food, bird seed, vegetable gardens, and eggs from chicken coops.Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
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Salmon populations are down, and even though belugas are opportunistic feeders, other fish, or even smaller salmon, don’t provide the calorie density to make up for the energy spent hunting them.Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Melton is a bigger defender who fits easier in a complementary role.Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
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If a person is self-motivated, there are many leadership books, audio and complementary forums for readers, listeners and participants.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Fisherman Aesthetic Trend Oceanic influences have served as an endless source of inspiration.Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
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The Harris team’s ask was a simple one, sources familiar with the incident told Forbes.Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Heat stress was listed as a contributory factor to her death.Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 31 July 2024
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The oil and gas companies can raise a contributory negligence defense on two fronts.Ed Hirs, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tributary
Cite this Entry
“Tributary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tributary. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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