What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sunken
Example
The sunken ship was discovered by divers exploring the ocean floor. [sunken: adjective]
Example
The old well had a sunken top that was covered with moss. [sunken: adjective]
submerged
Example
The submarine submerged itself to avoid detection. [submerged: verb]
Example
The flowers were completely submerged in the vase. [submerged: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Submerged is more commonly used than sunken in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sunken and submerged?
Both sunken and submerged can be used in formal or informal contexts, but submerged may be slightly more formal due to its versatility and broader range of meanings.
