What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
saturate
Example
The sponge was saturated with water and couldn't absorb any more. [saturated: adjective]
Example
The market for smartphones is becoming saturated with so many options. [saturate: verb]
oversupply
Example
The company had an oversupply of products that they couldn't sell. [oversupply: noun]
Example
The government's decision to oversupply the market with oil caused prices to drop. [oversupply: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oversupply is more commonly used than saturate in everyday language. Oversupply is a more specific term that is used in business and economic contexts, while saturate is less common and has a broader range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between saturate and oversupply?
Both saturate and oversupply are formal words that are typically used in professional or academic contexts.