torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
1
a
: relating to or having the character of a torrent
torrential rains
b
: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams
torrential gravel
2
: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow
torrentially
tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē
tə- How to pronounce torrential (audio)
adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At least 17 people have died, and eight remain missing, after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Indonesia's Java island. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Sliding to his knees in relentless torrential rain, the winger was understandably mobbed by his teammates both on the field and off the bench, as the travelling hoards went wild in the away end. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 With the torrential rains, the brook quickly swelled to 40 feet wide and 20 feet deep. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2025 Merely having a job was not enough for the 1,300 Black sanitation workers protesting Memphis’ labor practices in 1968 —where they were forced to work in the torrential rain that led to the deaths of Echol Cole and Robert Walker. Essence, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for torrential 

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of torrential was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near torrential

Cite this Entry

“Torrential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrential. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective
tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
: relating to or resembling a torrent
torrential rains
torrentially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on torrential

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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