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

Derived Forms

• torˈrentially, adverb

Other Words From

• tor·rential·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of torrential¹

First recorded in 1840–50; torrent + -ial

Example Sentences

Floods and torrential rain returned to the Valencia region on Wednesday night, but this time they were ready for it, and the areas hit two weeks ago escaped further disaster.

From BBC

Aemet warns of rainfall and storms that could be “very strong to torrential”.

From BBC

More than 200 people died in the flooding, which was caused by torrential rain hitting Valencia and neighbouring provinces in October.

From BBC

The report also noted that climate change-fueled major weather events in 2024 such as torrential floods in Spain and rapidly melting Antarctic sea ice.

From Salon

The decision was made, despite now torrential rain and the cars on worn intermediate tyres, because the teams were gambling on a red flag.

From BBC

Related Words

• teeming