What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contraband
Example
The police found a stash of contraband in the suspect's car. [contraband: noun]
Example
The smugglers were caught trying to transport contraband across the border. [contraband: adjective]
counterband
Example
The company had to pay a hefty fee for importing counterband goods. [counterband: noun]
Example
The customs officer inspected the counterband items before allowing them through. [counterband: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contraband is more commonly used than counterband in everyday language, likely due to its association with illegal or criminal activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contraband and counterband?
Both contraband and counterband can be used in formal or informal contexts, but contraband may be perceived as more informal due to its frequent use in popular culture and media.
