rain 1 of 2

noun

ˈrān How to pronounce rain (audio)
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
Two to 3 inches of rain are expected in the Charlotte region, the mountains and Upstate South Carolina from Isaias, with higher amounts – 3 or 4 inches – along steep slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, NWS meteorologists said. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026 Heavy rain with the risk of flooding was possible into the weekend as far inland as the Tennessee Valley. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
Many more hurdles rained down in the three decades that followed — music industry changes, family demands, divorces, the pandemic, microphone mishaps, and recently, a management switch. — Leena Tailor, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 Boos rained down from Superdome stands, and Saints coach Kellen Moore gestured incredulously with his arms out to his side and palms up when officials, following a video review, upheld the call of a fumble. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rain
  1. rainfall
  2. hail
  3. pour
  4. lavish
  5. storm
  6. barrage
  7. flood
  8. heap
Noun
  • The rainfall showers are glass, lending the feel of an outdoor shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • More than 35 million Californians are under heat alerts on Tuesday as a tropical disturbance is expected to continue to bring rainfall to central Florida.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rainfall
Noun
  • Please send your reports of hail or wind damage by calling the National Weather Service office in Wilmington at 1 800 697 3901.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Isolated hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph are also possible, the weather service said.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of hail
Verb
  • As soon as the first few teaspoons of coffee drip out, pour them into a small stainless steel bell creamer (or small metal bowl) and add the sugar.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • That said, Gunn tried to pour cold water on the widespread theory that Adria Arjona will play Wonder Woman in the Superman sequel.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of pour
Verb
  • At the same time, some states are also lavishing tax breaks on data centers that some say are both undeserved and ultimately, bad economics.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
  • When Russians discovered karaoke, thousands of venues sprang up, from cheap sushi joints to lavish establishments where an orchestra and backup singers accompanied anyone willing to step onto the stage and, for a few minutes, feel like a star.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of lavish
Noun
  • Whether windows have been damaged by a recent storm or have simply reached the end of their useful life, a coordinated replacement project can improve comfort, energy efficiency and curb appeal while helping homeowners prepare for future weather.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the microbes, mudflats, mangrove forests, and salt marshes help protect shorelines from erosion and storm surges.
    — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of storm
Noun
  • In a second complaint unsealed Wednesday, authorities allege that a few months after the U-Haul incident, a gang member fired a barrage of bullets at a man who owed Argumedo money.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But so far, the company’s barrage of new meal deals and aggressive marketing to promote them have come up short.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of barrage
Verb
  • The greatest concern is high tide through Sunday morning and swells from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel could create dangerous conditions with beach erosion and seawater once again flooding beach roads and paths.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The urgency around courting nonaligned voters has been on display at recent debates, in ads flooding the airwaves and in the campaign money pouring into key states.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of flood
Verb
  • Willis heaped more praises on the rookie receiver following the Vikings loss.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Per Johnson’s worldview, heaping more debt burdens on future taxpayers is a way to redress inequities rather than a necessary tool to maintain the city’s infrastructure.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of heap

Phrases Containing rain

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raiment
rain
rainbow
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Cite this Entry

“Rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rain. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rain

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rain

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