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.
But after the match was postponed by a day due to torrential rain in Rotterdam, Denmark produced a huge upset by coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2025 Strong, slow-moving thunderstorms could produce torrential rain and trigger flash flooding in areas receiving the heaviest precipitation. Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 July 2025 Two summers ago, when torrential rains pounded Connecticut and caused widespread flooding, water gushed out of the lake beyond the existing dam on its way downstream, the culverts under Route 195 at full capacity, water coming close to flooding the main thoroughfare through campus. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025 Unexpected things have certainly happened: bear encounters, park ranger citations, scorching temperatures, torrential downpours and more. Brit Morse, Fortune, 19 July 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 30 Jul. 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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