What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forager
Example
The bear is a skilled forager, able to find food in even the harshest environments. [forager: noun]
Example
The group of hikers went foraging for mushrooms in the forest. [foraging: verb]
Example
The treasure hunter was a skilled forager, able to locate valuable artifacts in remote locations. [forager: noun]
scavenger
Example
Vultures are scavengers that feed on the remains of dead animals. [scavenger: noun]
Example
The artist created a sculpture using scavenged materials found in a junkyard. [scavenged: past participle]
Example
The homeless man was a skilled scavenger, able to find useful items in dumpsters and trash cans. [scavenger: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scavenger is more commonly used than forager in everyday language. Scavenger is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forager is less common and refers specifically to searching for food in natural sources.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forager and scavenger?
While forager is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, scavenger can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.