torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
1
a
: relating to or having the character of a torrent
torrential rains
b
: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams
torrential gravel
2
: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow
torrentially
tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē
tə- How to pronounce torrential (audio)
adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The worst of the severe thunderstorm, tornado, flash flood threat will be through the evening hours as a line of strong thunderstorms with torrential rain continues to sweep across parts of the South. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2025 Detailed vacancy data for all 122 weather field offices show eight offices are missing more than 35% of their staff -- including those in Arkansas where tornadoes and torrential rain hit this week -- according to statistics crowdsourced by more than a dozen National Weather Service employees. Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025 Flash flood emergencies are in effect for two different parts of Arkansas due to torrential rains, according to the weather service office in Little Rock. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 But after June’s torrential rainstorm, the water time seeped past her French glass doors into the house for the first time — her towels and blankets unable to stem the flow. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torrential

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of torrential was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torrential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrential. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective
tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
: relating to or resembling a torrent
torrential rains
torrentially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on torrential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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