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.
For the next six hours, the inclement weather ranged from gentle showers to torrential thunderstorms. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 15 June 2025 Disaster response teams have been activated in the Eastern Cape province and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province after torrential rain hit parts of southern and eastern South Africa over the weekend. Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025 Arguably one of the most standout moments of the weekend came by way of a moving three-way performance from The Kentucky Gentlemen, Noeline Hofmann and Angie K, who sang soulful acoustic renditions of their biggest tracks to a core group of enthralled fans amid a torrential rainstorm. Chris Barilla, People.com, 10 June 2025 In late September, this idyllic place with its modest homes, babbling creeks and bumpy country roads was rocked as Hurricane Helene swept into the Carolinas, dropping torrential rainfall and bringing high winds. Ryan Kellman, NPR, 10 June 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 20 Jun. 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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