What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meddle
Example
I don't want to meddle in their relationship, but I think they should communicate better. [meddle: verb]
Example
She always meddles in other people's problems, even when they don't ask for her help. [meddles: present tense]
tamper
Example
The police warned the public not to tamper with the evidence at the crime scene. [tamper: verb]
Example
He was caught tampering with the company's financial records. [tampering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tamper is less common than meddle in everyday language. Tamper is usually used in legal or technical contexts, while meddle is more commonly used in personal or social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meddle and tamper?
Both meddle and tamper are informal words, but tamper is often used in more formal contexts such as legal or technical documents.
