What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sanction
Example
The government has imposed economic sanctions on the country for its human rights violations. [sanctions: noun]
Example
The company was sanctioned for violating environmental regulations. [sanctioned: past tense verb]
boycott
Example
The activists called for a boycott of the company's products due to their unethical business practices. [boycott: noun]
Example
The students boycotted the university's cafeteria to demand better food quality. [boycotted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sanction is more commonly used than boycott in formal contexts, such as international relations or legal matters. Boycott is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as social activism or consumer behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sanction and boycott?
Sanction is typically associated with a formal and official tone, while boycott is associated with a more informal and grassroots tone.
