What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
carom
Example
The billiard ball caromed off the cushion and hit another ball. [caromed: past tense]
Example
The soccer ball caromed off the defender's foot and went out of bounds. [caromed: verb]
ricochet
Example
The bullet ricocheted off the metal plate and hit the wall. [ricocheted: past tense]
Example
The tennis ball ricocheted off the wall and flew back onto the court. [ricocheted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ricochet is more commonly used than carom in everyday language. Ricochet is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including sports, shooting, and even figuratively. On the other hand, carom is less common and is mainly used in the specific context of billiards or team sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between carom and ricochet?
While carom is associated with a more formal and technical tone, ricochet has a more dynamic and action-oriented connotation, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
