What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forfeit
Example
He had to forfeit his prize money for breaking the rules. [forfeit: verb]
Example
The team was forced to forfeit the game due to a lack of players. [forfeit: verb]
Example
She had to forfeit her passport to secure bail. [forfeit: verb]
surrender
Example
The army was forced to surrender after a long battle. [surrender: verb]
Example
He had to surrender his weapons at the airport security checkpoint. [surrender: verb]
Example
She decided to surrender her claim to the property to avoid a legal battle. [surrender: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surrender is more commonly used than forfeit in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forfeit and surrender?
Forfeit is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, while surrender can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a wider range of situations.
