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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rainstorms
Noun
-
Another option is to cover the soil with a tarp in areas where wind and heavy rains can lead to erosion and nutrient loss.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Dec. 2025
-
Plant roots then draw on that soil moisture after rains end spring.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Wednesday’s most concerning threat will roar to life in the afternoon, but some potent storms will bubble up in the morning too in parts of southern Minnesota and eastern Iowa.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
This first round of storms will contribute to an increasing flash flood threat across the region.—
Albert Ramon,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rainstorms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rainstorms. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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