What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avenge
Example
He vowed to avenge his brother's death by seeking justice. [avenge: verb]
Example
The superhero avenged the city by defeating the villain and saving its people. [avenged: past tense]
retaliate
Example
She decided to retaliate against her bullies by standing up for herself. [retaliate: verb]
Example
The country retaliated by imposing trade tariffs on its rival. [retaliated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retaliate is more commonly used than avenge in everyday language. Retaliate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while avenge is less common and often associated with more dramatic or intense situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between avenge and retaliate?
Both avenge and retaliate can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, avenge may carry a slightly more formal tone due to its association with seeking justice or retribution.
