The antonym of the word deluge is drought.
A deluge refers to a severe flood or an overwhelming amount of something, particularly water. It implies an excess that can lead to inundation. On the other hand, a drought signifies a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. This stark contrast highlights how one condition represents an abundance while the other signifies a scarcity, making drought the perfect antonym for deluge.