Synonyms for

Flood

Verb / flʌd / Another word for flood — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A flood is an overflow of water that covers land that is normally dry.

Synonyms & similar words

floodtide outpouring photoflood floodlight deluge swamp flowage risingtide inundate oversupply torrent ebbtide inundation glut alluvion overflow floodlamp deluge inundation downpour torrent spate overflow swamp floodwater tsunami avalanche onslaught onsweep surge rush stream current cataclysm disaster

Synonyms by register

Formal

inundation deluge overflow submergence

Informal

washout downpour torrent

Literary

abyss cataclysm tempest

Antonyms

drought aridity dryness scarcity shortage lack

Common collocations

  • flash flood
  • tidal flood
  • river flood
  • flood plain
  • flood damage
  • flood waters
  • flood zone

Word family

noun flood
verb flood
adjective flooded

Usage note

While 'flood' can be used metaphorically for an overwhelming amount of something, its primary meaning relates to water. Be mindful of the context when using it figuratively.

Example sentences

  1. The flood waters rose quickly and covered the streets.
  2. Many animals were displaced by the flood.
  3. The flood caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses.
  4. When it rains too much, a flood can happen.
  5. The town was evacuated due to the flood warning.

Quotes

  • When the flood comes, the fish eat the ants; when the flood recedes, the ants eat the fish. - Thai Proverb
  • It's not a flood if it doesn't reach the poor man's door. - Indian Proverb
  • I saw the world float to the dark side of the moon. I feel there is nothing I can do, yeah. - Pink Floyd

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words