What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impeachment
Example
The House of Representatives voted to begin impeachment proceedings against the President. [impeachment: noun]
Example
The Senate held an impeachment trial to determine whether to remove the judge from office. [impeachment: noun]
indictment
Example
The grand jury issued an indictment against the suspect for embezzlement. [indictment: noun]
Example
The prosecutor decided to seek an indictment against the defendant for fraud. [indictment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indictment is more commonly used than impeachment in everyday language since it applies to a broader range of situations. However, impeachment is a more well-known term due to its association with high-profile political cases.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impeachment and indictment?
Indictment is a formal legal term that is typically used in legal contexts, while impeachment can be used in both formal and informal contexts due to its political nature.