What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eliminate
Example
We need to eliminate all the unnecessary expenses to balance our budget. [eliminate: verb]
Example
The team worked hard to eliminate the errors in their project. [eliminate: verb]
Example
The tennis player was eliminated from the tournament in the first round. [eliminated: past participle]
annihilate
Example
The hurricane annihilated the entire town, leaving nothing behind. [annihilated: past tense]
Example
The army was ordered to annihilate the enemy forces and take control of the territory. [annihilate: verb]
Example
The company's reputation was annihilated by the scandal. [annihilated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eliminate is more commonly used in everyday language than annihilate. Eliminate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while annihilate is more formal and less common.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between eliminate and annihilate?
Annihilate is a more formal and less commonly used word than eliminate. It has a stronger and more negative connotation, often associated with violence or aggression, making it more appropriate for formal or academic writing rather than casual conversation.
