What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retainer
Example
The lawyer required a retainer before taking on the case. [retainer: noun]
Example
She wore her retainer every night to keep her teeth straight. [retainer: noun]
Example
The consultant was hired as a retainer to provide ongoing support to the company. [retainer: noun]
watchman
Example
The watchman patrolled the building to ensure its security. [watchman: noun]
Example
He acted as a watchman during the night shift to keep an eye on the factory. [watchman: noun]
Example
The security system had a watchman feature that alerted the owner of any suspicious activity. [watchman: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Watchman is more commonly used than retainer in everyday language. Watchman is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retainer is less common and often used in a professional context.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between retainer and watchman?
While retainer is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, watchman is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
