What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deceased
Example
The family of the deceased requested privacy during this difficult time. [deceased: noun]
Example
The lawyer will handle the affairs of the deceased. [deceased: adjective]
expired
Example
My driver's license expired last month, so I need to renew it. [expired: verb]
Example
The warranty on my phone has expired, so I can't get it repaired for free. [expired: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deceased is more commonly used than expired in everyday language, especially in obituaries, death notices, and legal documents. Expired is less common and is usually used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deceased and expired?
Both deceased and expired are formal words that are used in legal or official contexts. However, deceased is more formal and is often used in obituaries, death certificates, and legal documents, while expired is less formal and is often used in everyday language to refer to documents, contracts, products, or services that have come to an end.