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
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Recent Examples of rainstorms
Outdoor furniture cushions can take a beating during the spring and summer months, especially in humid climates where rainstorms, coastal air, and heavy moisture create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
—
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 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
Alaska is the fastest-warming US state and is no stranger to sudden major rainstorms and strong typhoons.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 17 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
Rainstorms Are Driving the Surge in Animal Rescues Central Texas rainstorms have compounded the influx.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Southern California may experience more frequent rainstorms this fall and winter when a powerful El Niño system is expected to be in full effect.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The new radar system can also track smoke from wildfires and provide more detailed information about typical rainstorms, improving the accuracy of forecasts.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 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
Alaska is the fastest-warming US state and is no stranger to sudden major rainstorms and strong typhoons.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 17 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
Rainstorms Are Driving the Surge in Animal Rescues Central Texas rainstorms have compounded the influx.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Southern California may experience more frequent rainstorms this fall and winter when a powerful El Niño system is expected to be in full effect.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The new radar system can also track smoke from wildfires and provide more detailed information about typical rainstorms, improving the accuracy of forecasts.
—Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rainstorms
Noun
-
The entire squad, coaches and backroom staff are jumping up and down on the podium as gold confetti rains down on them.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Although recent rains have helped improve conditions slightly, particularly over parts of the panhandle, according to DaSilva, drought conditions in much of the state are still severe.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
This is accepted standard practice in the region, but the baterias often overflow during storms, sending water rich in heavy metals into the streams that feed the Caqueta river.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
-
The weather pattern has already brought some showers to Northern California, where additional storms are expected all week, according to the weather service.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rainstorms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rainstorms. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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