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.
As torrential rain poured down in Moscow, Ronaldo — who won his first Ballon d’Or that year — missed his penalty (United’s third). Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Journalism thrived on a warm day that dried out the track after torrential rain fell at Pimlico for much of the past week. CBS News, 17 May 2025 But his crushing drives didn’t get any additional roll — a product of the wetness from the torrential downpours early in the week. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025 Judging by Monday's torrential downpours, the players will face a very, very wet and very, very soft course. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 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 29 May. 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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