What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excommunication
Example
The bishop announced the excommunication of the priest for his heretical beliefs. [excommunication: noun]
Example
The church elders threatened to excommunicate the members who refused to follow the doctrine. [excommunicate: verb]
expulsion
Example
The government ordered the expulsion of all foreign workers without proper documentation. [expulsion: noun]
Example
The school principal decided on the expulsion of the student for repeated violations of the school rules. [expulsion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expulsion is more commonly used than excommunication in everyday language since it covers a wider range of contexts. Excommunication is a term that is mainly used in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between excommunication and expulsion?
Excommunication is a more formal term than expulsion since it is associated with religious authority and has a formal process. Expulsion is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
