What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
segregate
Example
The school was accused of segregating students based on their race. [segregating: verb]
Example
The company decided to segregate its waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials. [segregate: verb]
sequester
Example
The jury was sequestered during the trial to avoid outside influence. [sequestered: past participle]
Example
The government sequestered the land for conservation purposes. [sequester: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Segregate is more commonly used in everyday language than sequester. Segregate is often used in discussions of social justice and equality, while sequester is more commonly used in legal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between segregate and sequester?
Both segregate and sequester can be used in formal contexts, but sequester is more commonly used in legal or technical writing, while segregate can be used in a wider range of contexts.