precipitating 1 of 2

adjective

as in rainy
marked by or abounding with rain thick, precipitating clouds that just stayed in our region for days

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

precipitating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of precipitate
as in raining
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds the air mass was dry, as much of the moisture had precipitated out on the other side of the mountains

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of precipitating
Verb
Some survivors have criticized the process and called for full release of the files, which are precipitating global fallout. — John Parkinson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026 The second episode… [is about] the fall of the group, precipitating [John Pearson’s] leaving, the downfall. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 June 2026 And then a track number is posted, precipitating a mad dash that runs somewhere between the running of the bulls in Pamplona and entering Wal-Mart on Black Friday in 1999. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 Its Jupiter-crossing orbit leads to gravitational interactions, precipitating a future ejection in 2098. — Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026 Iranian strikes have targeted the energy infrastructure of its neighbors and instituted a blockade on the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world's oil and gas was shipped before the war, precipitating the worst energy shock in decades. — Katrina Bishop, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 The quick pronouncement by administration officials before any meaningful investigation could be completed has raised concerns about the federal government’s determination to conduct a thorough review of the chain of events precipitating the shooting. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026 When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Clegg was central to Meta’s decision to take a hard line against Moscow, precipitating an all-out ban on Facebook and Instagram in Russia. — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 18 Jan. 2026 Fear of a repeat invasion also led Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev to send nuclear missiles to Cuba, precipitating the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 that nearly led to nuclear war. — Kevin A. Young, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precipitating
  1. rainy
  2. raining
  3. wet
  4. pouring
  5. storming
  6. flooding
Adjective
  • Best Time to Visit Bellevue’s location in the heart of the Pacific Northwest means that its weather is generally temperate, with mild, rainy springs and warm, sunny summers.
    — Sara Harowitz, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • Similar to how double-coated animals like wolves and bobcats shed water with their fur, the fringe, when attached to shoes, pants, and tunics, could help keep wearers dry during rainy treks.
    — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
Definition of rainy
Verb
  • In the 42nd minute, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo held the ball near midfield, and audible boos came raining down from the crowd.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Just this week, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine yet, an 11-hour barrage of missiles and drones raining over Kiev that killed at least 20.
    — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Definition of raining
Adjective
  • And thirdly, the confidence Harley has in its 2026 bikes to facilitate such a thing, and on a wet racetrack no less, is quite frankly amazing.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Typically, El Niño is associated with wetter-than-normal conditions during the winter in Southern California.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of wet
Verb
  • Last month, the reflecting pool turned from blue to green days after the renovation was complete, and contractors were seen pouring bottles of hydrogen peroxide into the pool in an attempt to kill the algae.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 6 July 2026
  • Almost too perfectly, a news release confirming the nuptials was sent out as rain started pouring and a sense of calm enveloped the area.
    — Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of pouring
Verb
  • They were easily beaten by Brazil in the final match of the group stage, and their head coach Steve Clarke came in for criticism after storming out of his post-match interview before stepping down from his role when their exit was confirmed on Saturday.
    — Charlie Scott, New York Times, 28 June 2026
  • Listen to Hoffman discuss storming out of the Emmys in the Bald and the Beautiful episode above.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 23 June 2026
Definition of storming
Verb
  • News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Bailey Allen After the fireworks ended there was a mass exodus of guests leaving the Esplanade and flooding the streets of downtown Boston.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of flooding

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Cite this Entry

“Precipitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precipitating. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on precipitating

Nglish: Translation of precipitating for Spanish Speakers

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