What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crush
Example
She accidentally crushed the flowers while trying to pick them. [crushed: past tense]
Example
He has a crush on his coworker and can't stop thinking about her. [crush: noun]
Example
The team suffered a crushing defeat in the championship game. [crushing: adjective]
smash
Example
He smashed the vase when he tripped and fell. [smashed: past tense]
Example
The car smashed into the wall, causing significant damage. [smashed: verb]
Example
The new product launch was a smashing success, exceeding all expectations. [smashing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smash is more commonly used than crush in everyday language. Smash is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while crush is less common and has more specific connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crush and smash?
Both crush and smash can be used in informal or casual contexts, but smash may be more appropriate for formal or professional settings due to its versatility and lack of specific connotations.
