What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sliver
Example
She found a sliver of glass in her shoe. [sliver: noun]
Example
He slivered the apple into thin slices. [slivered: past tense verb]
splinter
Example
I got a splinter in my finger from the wooden fence. [splinter: noun]
Example
The mirror splintered into a thousand pieces when it fell. [splintered: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Splinter is more commonly used than sliver in everyday language. Splinter is a more specific term that is often associated with painful injuries, while sliver is a more general term that can refer to various materials and shapes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sliver and splinter?
Both sliver and splinter are relatively informal terms that can be used in casual conversation. However, splinter may be more commonly used in medical or technical contexts, making it slightly more formal than sliver.
