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.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the impacts of catastrophic flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, were becoming clear as authorities said at least three people were killed, including two young children, after torrential rains overwhelmed Rio Ruidoso on Tuesday. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 10 July 2025 Elevated atmospheric moisture enhanced torrential downpours in metro Detroit on Wednesday, and, in the aftermath of fatal floods in Texas, emergency management professionals worry about cuts to forecasting and disaster relief. Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 While another spout of torrential rain is not expected on Wednesday, rain is in the forecast. Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 Five years of inspection reports released to The Associated Press do not offer any details of those plans at Mystic, raising new questions about the camp's preparedness ahead of the torrential July 4 rainfall in flood-prone Texas Hill Country. arkansasonline.com, 8 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 20 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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