deluge

verb

deluged; deluging
Synonyms of deluge

transitive verb

1
: to overflow with water : inundate
2
: overwhelm, swamp
The store was deluged with complaints.

Examples of deluge in a Sentence

Heavy rains deluged the region. deluged with requests for help
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2022, Hurricane Ian deluged the retirement community, leaving 523 residential units uninhabitable. Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026 Johnson said the discussion ranged from serious matters like the federal immigration raids that have deluged the city in recent months to their differences on Chicago baseball. Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026 The market can be deluged by such entities, which run their companies into the ground through dilution and reverse splits. David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 That month, a series of intense storms deluged Washington and Oregon, causing flooding that forced thousands of people to evacuate. John Ryan, NPR, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deluge

Word History

Etymology

derivative of deluge entry 1

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deluge was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deluge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deluge. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

deluge

1 of 2 noun
del·​uge ˈdel-yüj How to pronounce deluge (audio)
1
a
: an overflowing of the land by water : flood
b
: a drenching rain
2
: an overwhelming amount or number
a deluge of Christmas mail

deluge

2 of 2 verb
deluged; deluging
1
: to overflow with water : inundate, flood
2
: to overwhelm as if with a deluge
deluged with inquiries

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