What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inebriated
Example
He was inebriated after drinking too much at the party. [inebriated: adjective]
Example
She stumbled out of the bar, clearly inebriated. [inebriated: verb]
intoxicated
Example
He was arrested for driving while intoxicated. [intoxicated: adjective]
Example
She became heavily intoxicated after taking drugs at the party. [intoxicated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intoxicated is more commonly used than inebriated in formal and legal contexts. However, both words are used interchangeably in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inebriated and intoxicated?
Intoxicated is considered more formal than inebriated. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use intoxicated in formal or legal contexts, while inebriated is more suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.
