rain 1 of 2

Definition of rainnext
1
as in rainfall
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity the rain continued for most of the day

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2
as in hail
a heavy fall of objects the Norman invaders fled when the castle's defenders threw a rain of stones down upon them

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rain

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to pour
to fall as water in a continuous stream of drops from the clouds it started raining early this morning and hasn't let up since

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2
as in to lavish
to give readily and in large quantities she rained praise upon her graduating students the squadron rained bombs on the enemy's fortifications

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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 rain
Noun
Its cut was very strange yesterday, which was throwing people off, and the rain on it was affecting the feel. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Sunday’s storms are not expected to bring more than a quarter-inch of rain. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Once Tyler and Beau got there to Victory Lane, right before the confetti popped and rained down and reminded Reddick that yes, this was real, and yes, Jordan was bear-hugging him, and yes, a childhood dream had come true — a new memory took place. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026 But then there was this scene with Owen at the Pike and we’re basically just getting rained on. Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rain
Noun
  • AccuWeather said that cumulative rainfall totals of 1-2 inches are expected in places like San Diego and the Central Valley, increasing to 2-4 inches near the Los Angeles Basin and into Northern California.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • In the wild, a cactus can send roots deep and wide to search for water and store infrequent rainfall for use during dry periods.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • As heavy rainstorms drenched areas near Indianapolis, residents in parts of southeastern Marion County reported pea-sized hail.
    Carol Kugler, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Come evening, the space becomes an elegant bar, pouring a shortlist of signature cocktails inspired by the neighborhood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • In a last-ditch effort to pour even more offense on Milinkovich and the Mustangs defense, Warroad pulled goalie Payton Rolli — who made 19 saves — for an extra attacker.
    Staff Report, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • With revenues soaring, the late President Hugo Chávez, a left-wing populist, lavished cash on Venezuelan masses long excluded from the petroleum windfall.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • As her success grew, she became known for lavishing studio audiences with gifts.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This week’s storms are especially welcome because the statewide snowpack has been lagging after weeks of unusually warm, dry weather.
    James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and signaled that the Yankees still have high hopes for a guy who was a consensus top-100 prospect before the barrage of injuries.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Ukrainian civilians endure Russian aerial barrages that repeatedly knock out power and smash homes, while Ukraine has developed drones that can fly deep into Russian territory and strike oil refineries and arms depots.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Athletes just flood the zone and the party begins.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront will likely become flooded, the weather service said.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Drop heaping tablespoon-sized mounds of coconut, about 1 1/2 inches apart, on the baking sheets.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sip a margarita and order the Jim Spud—a massive Idaho potato heaped with toppings.
    Caroline Tell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rain. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

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