torrential

[taw-ren-shuhl, toh-, tuh-]

adjective

1. pertaining to or having the nature of a torrent.

2. resembling a torrent in rapidity or violence.

3. falling in torrents.

   torrential rains.

4. produced by the action of a torrent.

5. violent, vehement, or impassioned.

6. overwhelming; extraordinarily copious.

torrential

/ tə-, tɒˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a torrent

2. pouring or flowing fast, violently, or heavily

   torrential rain

3. abundant, overwhelming, or irrepressible

   torrential abuse

Other Word Forms

• torrentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of torrential¹

First recorded in 1840–50; torrent + -ial

Example Sentences

The world found out much later because communication lines were hit by torrential rains and heavy snowfall.

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He simmered on the Wembley touchline as he watched his team fold obligingly in the face of torrential English pressure.

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Neighbouring Nepal, to the south of Tibet, has also been battered by torrential rains, triggering severe flooding and landslides that have killed more than 50 people.

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Wind speeds are expected to gradually weaken as the storm moves westwards over land but rain will be torrential and slow-moving across the region for several more days.

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Flooding has submerged cars in one city as torrential rain has caused disruption across Wales.

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Related Words

• teeming