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 city says the leak is the result of two sewage breaks following torrential rain on Friday. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Officials warned creeks and streams may rise from banks due to torrential rainfall that is expected to be capable of producing at least two inches of rain per two hours. — Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 The match, despite the torrential rain, was thrilling and ranks alongside 2022 as the greatest of World Cup finals. — Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Any slow-moving thunderstorms with torrential rain could also trigger areas of flash flooding where the heaviest rain develops. — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 July 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on torrential

Nglish: Translation of torrential for Spanish Speakers

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