What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expurgator
Example
The expurgator was tasked with removing all the profanity from the manuscript before it could be published. [expurgator: noun]
Example
She worked as an expurgator for a publishing company, making sure that all the books were appropriate for children. [expurgator: noun]
censor
Example
The government censor banned the movie because it contained scenes of violence. [censor: noun]
Example
The school board appointed a censor to review all the textbooks before they were distributed to the students. [censor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Censor is more commonly used than expurgator in everyday language, especially in the context of government or political censorship. Expurgator is a more specialized term that is mainly used in the context of media regulation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between expurgator and censor?
Both expurgator and censor are formal terms that are typically used in professional or academic contexts. However, censor may have a more negative connotation and be associated with authoritarian regimes or oppressive governments.