What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overflow
Example
The sink overflowed with water when I forgot to turn off the faucet. [overflow: verb]
Example
The river overflowed its banks and caused widespread flooding in the area. [overflowed: past tense]
Example
Her heart overflowed with joy when she saw her newborn baby for the first time. [overflowed: past tense]
deluge
Example
The office was deluged with emails after the announcement was made. [deluged: past tense]
Example
The city experienced a deluge of rain that caused severe flooding in many areas. [deluge: noun]
Example
The teacher was deluged with requests for extra help from her students before the exam. [deluged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overflow is more common and versatile than deluge. Overflow can be used in various contexts, including physical, emotional, and informational, while deluge is less common and often used in more extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overflow and deluge?
Both overflow and deluge are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
