What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
appropriated
Example
He appropriated his sister's headphones without asking. [appropriated: verb]
Example
The government appropriated a large sum of money for education. [appropriated: past tense]
confiscate
Example
The police confiscated the smuggled goods at the border. [confiscated: verb]
Example
The teacher confiscated the student's phone for using it during class. [confiscated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Confiscate is more commonly used than appropriated in everyday language, especially in legal or punitive contexts. Appropriated is less common and has a broader range of meanings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between appropriated and confiscate?
Both appropriated and confiscate are formal words, but confiscate is more commonly used in legal or official contexts, while appropriated can be used in both formal and informal situations.
