What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embargo
Example
The United States imposed an embargo on Cuba in 1960. [embargo: noun]
Example
The company was hit hard by the embargo on foreign imports. [embargo: adjective]
boycott
Example
The civil rights activists organized a boycott of the bus system to protest segregation. [boycott: noun]
Example
Many consumers boycotted the company after it was revealed they used sweatshop labor. [boycotted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boycott is more commonly used than embargo in everyday language, especially in the context of social or ethical issues. Embargo is a more technical term used primarily in the context of international trade and politics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embargo and boycott?
Embargo is a more formal term than boycott, as it is often used in legal or diplomatic contexts. Boycott is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
