What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scavenger
Example
Vultures are scavengers that feed on carrion. [scavengers: noun]
Example
The homeless man was a scavenger, collecting cans and bottles from the trash to sell. [scavenger: noun]
Example
The city hired a team of scavengers to clean up the litter in the park. [scavengers: plural noun]
vulture
Example
The vulture circled overhead, waiting for its next meal. [vulture: noun]
Example
The loan shark was a vulture, preying on people in desperate need of money. [vulture: noun]
Example
The company was like a vulture, swooping in to buy up struggling businesses at a low price. [vulture: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scavenger is a more common word than vulture in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and can refer to a variety of animals. Vulture is more specific and less commonly used outside of discussions about birds or metaphors related to predatory behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scavenger and vulture?
Both scavenger and vulture are relatively informal words, but vulture may be seen as slightly more formal due to its association with scientific or ornithological discussions.
