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
This means the El Niño will increase the risks of costly extreme weather events such as tornadoes, winter storms and back-to-back rainstorms that lead to flooding and landslides.
—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
The teak build can withstand rainstorms and wine spills, while the acrylic cushions can be wiped clean.
—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
The potential for exposure to raw sewage makes rivers in the ALCOSAN service area unswimmable for at least 48 hours after rainstorms.
—
Daniel Bain,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
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
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 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
Summer also brings on rainstorms with lightning and flash flooding.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
The teak build can withstand rainstorms and wine spills, while the acrylic cushions can be wiped clean.
—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
The potential for exposure to raw sewage makes rivers in the ALCOSAN service area unswimmable for at least 48 hours after rainstorms.
—
Daniel Bain,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
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
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 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
Summer also brings on rainstorms with lightning and flash flooding.
—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rainstorms
Noun
-
Control weeds in and near the gardens that flourish with the rains and harbor pests.
-
Widespread flooding across Kentucky has left at least four dead Saturday, prompting dozens of rescues after heavy rains wiped out bridges, inundated roads and flooded homes, with more significant rainfall on the way.
Noun
-
The Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year.
-
Farther south, including Colorado Springs and Pueblo, the severe threat may last later Tuesday night as storms move southeast across the plains.
Cite this Entry
“Rainstorms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rainstorms. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
