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
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
Thai scientists have found elevated heavy metal pollution in other Mekong tributaries, like the Sai and Ruak rivers.
—Anton L. Delgado, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Explore the Paraná’s tributaries in the hotel’s launch.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
The river flows from tributaries in the Greensboro area to the Atlantic Ocean.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
The property has over a mile of frontage along the Fall River and controls the Spring and Lava creek tributaries.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2026
Vast stretches of suburban concrete block its natural drainage, and thousands of homes have been built along its winding, sluggish tributaries.
—Dominic Boyer, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
The state socks rainbow, golden, brown, and brook trout in many of the New River tributaries like Glade Creek, Dunloup Creek, Laurel Creek, Mill Creek, and Meadow Creek each spring.
—Jordan Charbonneau, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
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
Thai scientists have found elevated heavy metal pollution in other Mekong tributaries, like the Sai and Ruak rivers.
—Anton L. Delgado, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Explore the Paraná’s tributaries in the hotel’s launch.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
The river flows from tributaries in the Greensboro area to the Atlantic Ocean.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
The property has over a mile of frontage along the Fall River and controls the Spring and Lava creek tributaries.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2026
Vast stretches of suburban concrete block its natural drainage, and thousands of homes have been built along its winding, sluggish tributaries.
—Dominic Boyer, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
The state socks rainbow, golden, brown, and brook trout in many of the New River tributaries like Glade Creek, Dunloup Creek, Laurel Creek, Mill Creek, and Meadow Creek each spring.
—Jordan Charbonneau, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tributaries
Noun
-
From its headwaters high in the Oakland Hills throught the city's Fruitvale District to where the waters eventually empty into the Oakland Estuary and San Francisco Bay, Sausal Creek is a historic treasure.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
-
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of scenic trails at Lake Bemidji State Park, fish in pristine waters, or wade through the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park (40 miles southwest).—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
-
Trim Grass and Foliage Mow frequently to keep the lawn low, trim bushes back from the house, and cut the branches of low-hanging trees.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
18 May 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
-
Make Your Own Art Make time for Sunspots Studios, a glassblowing studio where visitors can catch a live demonstration and choose some beautiful glass to take home, such as ornaments, vases, hummingbird feeders, and jewelry.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
-
Prep the Soil Watermelons are heavy feeders that need full sun, well-draining and slightly acidic soil, and lots of nutrients to grow.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Multiple sources later confirmed their split to PEOPLE in January 2025, though they were spotted together on several occasions in the months to follow.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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On carbon, nuclear is among the lowest-emission energy sources, emitting roughly 12 grams of CO₂-equivalent per kilowatt-hour and rivaling wind.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tributaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tributaries. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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