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

It has been surrounded by torrential controversy since its premiere two years ago at Toronto International Film Festival and has yet to be released in the United States. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026

That kind of spontaneity is what Lacoste Creative Director, Pelagia Kolotouros, tapped into for her fall collection, citing a 1923 tennis match where the brand’s founder, René Lacoste, played Spain’s top tennis pro, Manuel de Gomar, in a torrential downpour. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

Storms could produce damaging winds, large hail, lightning and torrential downpours. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026

In addition to the potential for severe weather, torrential downpours could impact the evening commute, causing travel delays in spots. —Cutter Martin, CBS News, 10 Mar. 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
• evidential
• existential
• exponential
• influential

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl 

tə-

: relating to or resembling a torrent

torrential rains

torrentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb