What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proscribe
Example
The government has proscribed the use of certain drugs. [proscribed: verb]
Example
The company proscribe employees from using social media during work hours. [proscribing: gerund or present participle]
veto
Example
The president has the power to veto any bill passed by Congress. [veto: verb]
Example
The board of directors decided to exercise their veto power over the proposed merger. [veto: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Veto is more commonly used than proscribe in everyday language, especially in political and legal contexts. Proscribe is less common and is typically used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proscribe and veto?
Both proscribe and veto are formal words, but proscribe is typically used in more formal or legal contexts, while veto can be used in a wider range of formality levels, from formal to informal.
