What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
citadel
Example
The ancient city had a citadel at its center, providing protection from enemy attacks. [citadel: noun]
Example
The soldiers defended the citadel against the enemy forces. [citadel: noun]
stronghold
Example
The city was a stronghold of the rebel forces, making it challenging for the government to regain control. [stronghold: noun]
Example
The castle served as a stronghold during the medieval times, protecting the inhabitants from invaders. [stronghold: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stronghold is more commonly used than citadel in everyday language. Stronghold is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while citadel is less common and tends to be used in more specific or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between citadel and stronghold?
While citadel has a more formal and grandiose connotation, stronghold is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.