Definition of cloudburstnext
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the weatherman warned of possible cloudbursts in the afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cloudburst The whole experience tasted of the sea and the end of summer, punctuated by soft little cloudbursts on the palate. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025 The Rockies’ epic drought ended with a cloudburst of terrific pitching by Tanner Gordon and one of the feel-good moments of the season coming from a most unlikely source. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025 Heavy rain is not uncommon in South Asia this time of year, but experts largely agree that the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts have increased in recent years, in part due to climate change. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025 Warmer air soaks up water like a sponge, and all this extra moisture can result in extreme rain and sudden downpours like cloudbursts, especially when that air meets the mountains. Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cloudburst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloudburst
Noun
  • The two tornadoes started as tornadic waterspouts and were spotted off the coast of Far Rockaway and in Atlantic Beach on Long Island as Thursday’s torrential rain forced officials to close highways across the city.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Photos and video shared on social media show debris thrown in the air and pummeling rain as a possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island's outer barrier.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The greatest risk from the storms will be from damaging winds and heavy downpours.
    Rachael Jay, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The airport posted a handful of photos showing the aftermath of the storms.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cloudburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloudburst. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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