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
The overnight rains also knocked out transportation during the peak of holiday travel season. Npr Staff, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 Cooler temperatures and rain chances will continue across the region, with Denver bracing for another round of wet weather Friday. Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
The system manages varied watering zones, automatically responds to rain or changing soil conditions, maintains plants while owners are away on vacation or business trips, and allows users to adjust irrigation throughout different seasons. Gretchen M. Stone, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The greybeards will take on the suicide mission of storming the castle walls, erecting ladders, and invading the city while arrows and rocks rain down on them. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rain
Noun
  • Heavy rainfall and gusty winds will begin to impact the Big Island Friday, bringing the possibility of life-threatening mudslides and landslides, especially across areas with steep terrain.
    Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Millions across the Midwest remain under flood watches early Friday as additional bouts of rain sweep through the flooded region where even modest rainfall could cause new problems.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Roddy the Ruin and his wolfish northmen make the first charge amidst a hail of arrows, looking to climb the walls.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Another round of storms erupted in northern Indiana Monday evening, bringing powerful wind gusts and large hail.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Dreaming up ‘The Curse of a Forsaken Heart’ was the first time my creative voice poured back in.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That is important, as the show includes simulated rain showers with real water pouring down on the stage from above.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Altman had been making note of Kushner’s investment in founders at splashy startups, including Slack, Instacart, and payment giant Stripe—staying loyal and lavishing them with attention even during rocky stretches.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Its following includes Emmy voters, who lavished the series with 19 nominations, the most of any new series this year.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Much of Northwest Indiana remains without power as residents there started cleaning up debris from severe storms.
    Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Avoiding the storm-hindering winds would give it a better shot at becoming a tropical depression or storm.
    Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The 2024 race pitted Scharf, then Trump’s personal attorney, against Bailey, who used his office to file a barrage of legal briefs in support of the Republican president.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Meanwhile, the daily barrage of news and headlines continue.
    Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For others, some roads are likely to flood and creeks and streams could also overflow their banks.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The comment sections of many of the influencers who attended were flooded with messages questioning their morals.
    Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The bulk of the country is now officially in drought, heaping pressure on water resources for households, agriculture and the environment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Piles of brush have been growing along lawns since Memorial Day weekend, some nearly five feet tall as fresh branches and leaves are heaped atop weeks-old debris.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rain. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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