What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slapped
Example
He slapped his friend on the back in congratulations. [slapped: verb]
Example
The sound of the door being slammed shut slapped through the room. [slapped: past tense]
Example
The boss slapped down the employee's proposal as unrealistic. [slapped: phrasal verb]
smack
Example
She smacked her son on the hand for reaching into the cookie jar. [smacked: verb]
Example
The waves smacked against the shore, creating a rhythmic sound. [smacked: past tense]
Example
The judge smacked down the defendant's plea for leniency. [smacked: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slapped and smack are both commonly used in everyday language, but smack is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slapped and smack?
Both slapped and smack are informal words and are not appropriate for formal writing or speech.
