What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anabranch
Example
The anabranch of the river provided a shortcut for the boats. [anabranch: noun]
Example
The river's anabranches created a complex network of waterways. [anabranches: plural noun]
tributary
Example
The Mississippi River has many tributaries, including the Missouri River. [tributaries: plural noun]
Example
The Amazon River is fed by numerous tributaries that originate in the Andes Mountains. [tributary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tributary is a more commonly used term than anabranch in everyday language. Tributary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while anabranch is less common and mainly used in the context of river systems.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anabranch and tributary?
Both anabranch and tributary are formal terms and are mainly used in scientific, geographical, and technical contexts.
