deluge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deluge' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sudden, large, or overwhelming amount of something. For example, "The city was overwhelmed by a deluge of rain that caused major flooding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But such supposedly supportive pieces were fingers in the dyke amid the deluge of negative articles.

The Guardian

What followed was more a drip-feed of inadequacy than a deluge of incompetence.

The Guardian - Sport

This was a movie which withheld its meanings, and distributed clues and hints around the screenplay, it allowed the audience to experience a kind of drip-feed of meaning, which became a sudden, shocking deluge in the semi-intentional event which forms its catastrophe.

The Guardian - Film

Has he not been briefed on the deluge of new pensions and building regulations that he has just imposed on small businesses the length of the land?

The Guardian - Opinion

But other times, when I've written something particularly controversial (ie feminist) – like, say, my critique of men feeling entitled to women's time and attention, or literally anything about rape – the harassment comes in a deluge.

The Guardian

The deluge of gardening programmes on BBC2 a few years ago was caused by the then controller's solipsistic assumption that the channel's audience was as entranced by the sod and the trowel as she was.

The Guardian - Opinion

While millions more people are taking good shots of wildlife, critics don't see more variety or creativity in this image deluge.

The Guardian

None the less, the mere fact that he is still first minister after the deluge of scandal heaped upon him since the start of the year is remarkable and evidence of how the necessity of keeping political compromise moving forward defies normal political gravity.

The Guardian

Since the mid 1990s the Catholic church's reputation has been slowly eroding amid a deluge of damaging revelations about its priests, religious orders and the institutions they run.

The Guardian

The 2005 deluge brought to light the little-known fact that Mumbai had a river.

The Guardian

Slums and BMWs went under the deluge without discernment for their economic standing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deluge" when you want to emphasize the overwhelming nature of something, whether it's a physical flood or a metaphorical surge of information or emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "deluge" when a smaller, more manageable amount is more accurate. "Trickle" implies a slow, steady flow, the opposite of the overwhelming nature of a "deluge".

Linguistic Context

The word "deluge" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it describes a large amount of something, often water. As a verb, it means to overwhelm someone with a large quantity of something, aligning with Ludwig's confirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deluge" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, used to describe an overwhelming amount of something. Ludwig confirms that "deluge" is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it can refer to a literal flood, it's often used metaphorically to describe a sudden and copious influx of information, requests, or other abstract concepts. To avoid misusing the word, be mindful of its intensity and ensure it accurately reflects the overwhelming nature of what you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flood

A general term for an overflowing of water or a large influx of anything.

torrent

Implies a rapid and forceful flow, like a stream of water or information.

inundation

Focuses on the state of being flooded or overwhelmed, often with water or similar substance.

avalanche

Suggests a sudden and overwhelming descent of a large quantity of something, often snow or rocks, but also applicable metaphorically.

barrage

Implies a concentrated outpouring, often of criticism, questions, or other forms of communication.

onslaught

Conveys a fierce and destructive attack or influx.

spate

Refers to a sudden, large number or amount of something, often occurring over a short period.

outpouring

Describes a generous and unrestrained expression or flow of emotions, opinions, or support.

glut

Emphasizes an excessive supply or abundance of something, often leading to a decrease in value.

overabundance

Highlights the state of having more than enough of something, often to an excessive degree.

FAQs

How can I use "deluge" in a sentence?

You can use "deluge" to describe a great flood or an overwhelming amount of something. For instance, "The city faced a "deluge of rain"" or "The company received a "deluge of complaints"".

What words are similar to "deluge"?

Synonyms for "deluge" include "flood", "torrent", "inundation", "onslaught", and "avalanche". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "deluge" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "deluge" can be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of abstract concepts, such as a "deluge of information", a "deluge of emails", or a "deluge of criticism".

What's the difference between "deluge" and "flood"?

While both "deluge" and "flood" refer to an overflow of water, "deluge" often implies a more sudden and overwhelming event. "Deluge" can also be used more broadly to describe any overwhelming amount of something, not just water, unlike "flood".