as in rains
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity
we ran into a big rainstorm on Highway 6, and the visibility was so poor we had to pull over
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 rainstorms
There’s a chance an El Niño could bring big rainstorms as seen in 1982-83 and 1997-98, which while adding troubles could also wash sediment down creeks and onto beaches to resupply the sand levels and build beaches back up, said Sanders, the UCI professor.
—
Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026
This corner of Ealing, a borough in West London, used to flood regularly during heavy rainstorms, with water sweeping into local streets and inundating the nearby Greenford tube station, part of the London Underground.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
The teak build can withstand rainstorms and wine spills, while the acrylic cushions can be wiped clean.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
But any below-grade basement is constantly in contact with damp soil, and leaks and flooding are very common during summer rainstorms.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
In spring 1927, following months of wet weather, the Mississippi burst its banks during a series of intense rainstorms.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026
In other words, they are designed under the assumption that rainstorms like the one this week are just like rainstorms in 1970.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Climate change is bringing stronger rainstorms to New England, overwhelming aging sewer systems and sending more pollution into the river.
—Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Summer also brings on rainstorms with lightning and flash flooding.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026
Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026
This corner of Ealing, a borough in West London, used to flood regularly during heavy rainstorms, with water sweeping into local streets and inundating the nearby Greenford tube station, part of the London Underground.
—Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
The teak build can withstand rainstorms and wine spills, while the acrylic cushions can be wiped clean.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026
But any below-grade basement is constantly in contact with damp soil, and leaks and flooding are very common during summer rainstorms.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
In spring 1927, following months of wet weather, the Mississippi burst its banks during a series of intense rainstorms.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026
In other words, they are designed under the assumption that rainstorms like the one this week are just like rainstorms in 1970.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Climate change is bringing stronger rainstorms to New England, overwhelming aging sewer systems and sending more pollution into the river.
—Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Summer also brings on rainstorms with lightning and flash flooding.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rainstorms
Noun
-
The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur battered parts of the southeastern United States with drenching rains and strong wind on Thursday, tearing through buildings, flooding homes and launching water rescues along the Gulf Coast.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Heavy rains and thunderstorms were likely to develop across the lower Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast, forecasters said.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 June 2026
-
Farther south, including Colorado Springs and Pueblo, the severe threat may last later Tuesday night as storms move southeast across the plains.—
Joe Ruch,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rainstorms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rainstorms. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
