What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
procession
Example
The funeral procession made its way through the streets of the city. [procession: noun]
Example
The students formed a procession and marched towards the graduation ceremony. [procession: noun]
parade
Example
The annual Thanksgiving parade featured colorful floats and marching bands. [parade: noun]
Example
The soldiers marched in a parade to commemorate the national holiday. [parade: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Parade is more commonly used than procession in everyday language, especially in the context of festive events and celebrations. Procession is more formal and often used in religious or ceremonial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between procession and parade?
Procession is generally considered more formal than parade, and is often associated with religious or solemn events. Parade is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.