What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
annihilate
Example
The hurricane annihilated the small coastal town, leaving nothing but ruins. [annihilate: verb]
Example
The army was able to annihilate the enemy forces in a swift and decisive victory. [annihilate: verb]
extinguish
Example
He quickly extinguished the candle before leaving the room. [extinguish: verb]
Example
The government took measures to extinguish the rebellion and restore peace. [extinguish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extinguish is more commonly used than annihilate in everyday language. Extinguish is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while annihilate is less common and tends to be used in more specific or intense situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between annihilate and extinguish?
While annihilate is generally considered more formal and may be used in academic or technical writing, extinguish is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
