What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambushes
Example
The soldiers set up an ambush to catch the enemy off guard. [ambush: noun]
Example
The hunters ambushed the deer as it came out of the woods. [ambushed: past tense verb]
waylaying
Example
The thief waylaid the woman in the alley and stole her purse. [waylaid: past tense verb]
Example
The gang was waiting to waylay the armored truck as it passed by. [waylaying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ambushes is more commonly used than waylaying in everyday language, especially in military contexts. Waylaying is less common and is typically associated with criminal activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambushes and waylaying?
Both ambushes and waylaying are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
