What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defecate
Example
The dog defecated on the lawn. [defecated: past tense]
Example
I need to defecate before we leave. [defecate: verb]
excrete
Example
The kidneys excrete waste products from the body. [excrete: verb]
Example
Sweat glands excrete sweat to cool down the body. [excrete: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excrete is a more common term than defecate in everyday language, especially in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defecate and excrete?
Excrete is a more formal term than defecate, which is considered more informal and may be considered impolite in some situations.
