rain 1 of 2

Definition of rainnext
1
as in rainfall
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the rain continued for most of the day

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2
as in hail
a heavy fall of objects the Norman invaders fled when the castle's defenders threw a rain of stones down upon them

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rain

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to pour
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds it started raining early this morning and hasn't let up since

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2
as in to lavish
to give readily and in large quantities she rained praise upon her graduating students the squadron rained bombs on the enemy's fortifications

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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 rain
Noun
The stainless steel lamp shell can withstand rain, snow, frost, and sleet, and can even handle the lawnmower going over it. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026 December rain didn't help either. John Lauritsen, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
But the authorities that govern Olympic sports have rained on their parade. Outside, 9 Feb. 2026 In the wide world outside, a hail of tear gas and rubber bullets rained down. Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rain
Noun
  • As the hurricane carved a deadly path across Southern states and into Appalachia, heavy rainfall caused the Nolichucky to overspill its banks and engulf the hospital in as much as 12 feet of water.
    Brett Kelman, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center has high confidence in a wetter weather pattern for the next six to 10 days and near-normal rainfall for the next eight to 14 days.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The projects that made the Prada foundation cut – out of a massive more than 1,200 submissions – hail from 26 countries across 5 continents.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Thunderstorms may also bring small hail and gusty winds.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For more on why AstraZeneca poured billions into China ahead of the trading debut of its shares in New York, read this.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026
  • And Hanceville’s fate is as murky as the fog that pours in at night, blotting out buildings and blackening the road ahead.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When Ray lavishes attention on another biker’s pet pillion, Kevin (Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters), Colin sulks until his master unzips his trousers and gives him a treat.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • As her success grew, she became known for lavishing studio audiences with gifts.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But in recent years, the once-sleepy Australian lookout has found itself at the center of a global social media storm.
    Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • With these statistical corrections, researchers can more accurately predict how energy behaves in chaotic environments, such as during the formation of severe storms.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That area came under attack from gunfire and a precision mortar barrage, resulting in the deaths of security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
    ERIC TUCKER, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The score is a comical barrage of harp strums, as if heaven’s angels have gotten good and drunk.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Khanna said his office had been flooded with calls and emails as the mixed messaging left many local residents fearful.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Thousands of people and cars will undoubtedly flood the streets, but the self-driving car company has projected confidence.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Certainly, pressure has been heaped onto the home fixture against Brentford on Saturday and the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The fireside brunch at the hotel’s Glitretind Restaurant is a must-have meal; wooden trestle tables are heaped with pastries, salads, crepes, cheeses, eggs, and smoked fish (and the requisite carving table), evoking the chalet-chic of Lech, Austria.
    Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rain. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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