What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retching
Example
The smell of the garbage made him start retching. [retching: present participle]
Example
She felt like she was retching, but nothing came out. [retching: verb]
vomiting
Example
He was vomiting all night after eating the spoiled food. [vomiting: present participle]
Example
She felt better after vomiting and getting the toxins out of her system. [vomiting: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vomiting is more commonly used than retching in everyday language. Vomiting is a common symptom of various illnesses and discomforts, while retching is a less common term that describes the act of trying to vomit.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retching and vomiting?
Both retching and vomiting are associated with a formal tone due to their medical connotations. However, vomiting is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while retching is less common and may be more appropriate for formal or technical writing.
