What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rampant
Example
The virus was rampant in the city, infecting thousands of people. [rampant: adjective]
Example
Corruption is rampant in the government, making it difficult to trust officials. [rampant: adjective]
widespread
Example
The drought caused widespread damage to crops across the country. [widespread: adjective]
Example
The protests against police brutality were widespread, with demonstrations in many cities. [widespread: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Widespread is more commonly used than rampant in everyday language. Widespread is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rampant is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rampant and widespread?
Both rampant and widespread are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts.
