What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sledgehammer
Example
The construction worker used a sledgehammer to break up the concrete. [sledgehammer: noun]
Example
The CEO's sledgehammer approach to management often caused tension among employees. [sledgehammer: adjective]
gavel
Example
The judge banged his gavel to signal the end of the trial. [gavel: noun]
Example
The chairman used his gavel to bring the meeting to order. [gavel: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gavel is more commonly used than sledgehammer in formal settings such as courtrooms or meetings. Sledgehammer is less common and is mostly used in construction or demolition contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sledgehammer and gavel?
Gavel is a formal tool used in legal proceedings or meetings, while sledgehammer is more informal and is associated with construction or demolition work.
