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.
Rafael could bring widespread rainfall of 3 to 6 inches from Jamaica to western Cuba, with double-digit totals possible for areas stuck under multiple rounds of torrential, tropical rain. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 The big picture: Spain's Valencia region was the hardest hit by last week's torrential rains and flash flooding, which the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service said on X saw more than 190,000 people and 130,000 acres affected, including 1,900 miles of road. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Barcelona is braced for further torrential rain on Monday prompting Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente to announce the suspension of all commuter train services in northeastern Catalonia. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The torrential rains of Oct. 29 destroyed houses, roads and bridges, killed more than 200 people and left hundreds more unaccounted for. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near torrential

Cite this Entry

“Torrential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrential. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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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