What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incinerator
Example
The city built a new incinerator to handle the increasing amount of waste produced by its residents. [incinerator: noun]
Example
The laboratory uses an incinerator to safely dispose of contaminated materials. [incinerator: noun]
furnace
Example
The furnace in our house broke down, so we had to call a repairman. [furnace: noun]
Example
The steel factory uses a furnace to melt and mold metal into various shapes. [furnace: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Furnace is more commonly used than incinerator in everyday language. Furnace is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while incinerator is less common and refers specifically to a facility or device used for waste disposal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incinerator and furnace?
Both incinerator and furnace are formal terms that are typically used in technical or industrial contexts. However, furnace can also be used in everyday language to refer to a heating device in a home or building.
