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 man, Jere Stark, had just been carried a quarter mile by a torrential flood and was covered in mud and extremely cold. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 Temperatures plummeted, causing frosty conditions and torrential rain across Europe, North America, and Asia for months. — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026 The three of us huddled in the torrential darkness with our backs to the palm, not even thinking of our cuts. — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 Isaias peeled off hotel and condominium rooftops and facades along the Florida Panhandle before charging north Saturday, dishing out torrential rains and the threat of flash floods and tornadoes across the Southeast. — Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for torrential

See All Rhymes for torrential

Browse Nearby Words

torrent duck
torrential
torrentially
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torrential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrential. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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
-ˈrench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce torrential (audio)
adverb
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