What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ricochet
Example
The bullet ricocheted off the wall and hit the target. [ricocheted: past tense verb]
Example
The ball ricocheted off the curb and hit the parked car. [ricocheting: present participle]
carom
Example
The ball caromed off the cushion and hit the red ball. [caromed: past tense verb]
Example
He made a difficult carom shot to sink the eight ball. [carom: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Carom is more commonly used than ricochet in everyday language, especially in the context of games involving balls.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ricochet and carom?
Both ricochet and carom are relatively formal words, but carom may be slightly more formal due to its association with games and leisure activities.
