What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
garish
Example
The garish neon lights of the casino hurt my eyes. [garish: adjective]
Example
She wore a garish outfit that clashed with everything else in the room. [garish: adjective]
vulgar
Example
I found his jokes to be vulgar and offensive. [vulgar: adjective]
Example
The movie was filled with vulgar language and explicit scenes. [vulgar: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vulgar is more commonly used than garish in everyday language. Vulgar is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while garish is less common and refers specifically to excessive or flashy visual elements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between garish and vulgar?
Garish is typically associated with a more formal tone, while vulgar is often used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.