torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl 

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- 

adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.

Recent Examples on the Web

The torrential rain that prompted the initial flood warning has ended, but the flash flood emergency remains in effect for much of Friday afternoon due to lingering flooding issues. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

As of Tuesday, forecasts indicate that the Category 5-strength Typhoon Bavi is expected to maintain super typhoon intensity of strong winds and torrential rain for two or three days before gradually weakening around Friday. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

La Guaira had already endured a devastating tragedy in 1999, when torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding and mudslides that wiped out entire communities, killed thousands and caused widespread destruction. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

In India, torrential monsoon rains battered large areas on Tuesday, triggering flash floods and landslides in the northern Himalayan states, and flooding roads and forcing schools to close in Mumbai. — ABC News, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for torrential

• credential
• prudential
• sequential
• tangential
• circumferential
• inconsequential
• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb