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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • Monday is expected to stay dry, with temperatures around 78 degrees, before a cold front brings the area’s next chance of rain, 20% to 40%, Monday night, the weather service said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory Thursday as rain and king tides are forecast to soak South Florida.
    — Miami Herald Staff Report, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • After the initial blast, which spews out gamma rays, a storm of radiation pours into the surrounding galaxy, creating a ferocious afterglow that burns in every part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • After this week’s storm, temperatures are expected to climb back into the upper 70s and low 80s through the weekend.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cloudburst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloudburst. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster