What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fireball
Example
The fireball exploded with a loud bang, sending debris flying everywhere. [fireball: noun]
Example
We saw a fireball streak across the sky last night. [fireball: noun]
inferno
Example
The entire building was engulfed in an inferno, and firefighters struggled to contain the flames. [inferno: noun]
Example
The desert was like an inferno, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. [inferno: simile]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inferno is less common than fireball in everyday language, as it is a more specific and dramatic word. Fireball is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fireball and inferno?
Inferno is generally considered a more formal and dramatic word, while fireball is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
