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Definitions

rainstorm

[reyn-stawrm] / ˈreɪnˌstɔrm /
NOUN
downpour
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deluge flood monsoon storm
STRONG
cloudburst inundation
WEAK
drencher torrential rain
Antonyms
WEAK
sprinkle
NOUN
precipitation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drizzle rain rainfall sleet snow storm
STRONG
cloudburst condensation hail hailstorm wetness
WEAK
heavy dew precip
Antonyms
WEAK
dryness
NOUN
rain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deluge drizzle flood hail mist monsoon precipitation rainfall shower showers sleet stream torrent
STRONG
cloudburst condensation fall flurry pour pouring raindrops sheets spate spit sprinkle sprinkling volley
WEAK
cat-and-dog weather drencher heavy dew liquid sunshine precip sun shower wet stuff window washer
Antonyms
WEAK
aridity dryness
NOUN
shower
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deluge downpour drizzle flood hail rain sleet storm
STRONG
cloudburst thunderstorm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some homes were ripped off their foundations after an overnight rainstorm, said Ian Scheuring, a spokesman for the city and county of Honolulu.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

"Even the weird barks that he does," laughs the 16-year-old, who braved a rainstorm to see Speed in action.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

On Thursday, Dubai police had urged residents to stay in unless "absolutely necessary" as the rainstorm approached.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

A list of commissioners grew like plants after a rainstorm, the Master Chorale being one, along with several Southern California new music patrons.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

I’d hugged them that very morning, in fact, before dashing out the door and driving through a heavy rainstorm to get to work.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama