What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smuggle
Example
The criminals tried to smuggle drugs across the border. [smuggle: verb]
Example
He was caught trying to smuggle a knife into the courthouse. [smuggle: verb]
sneak
Example
She tried to sneak out of the house without waking her parents. [sneak: verb]
Example
He took a sneak peek at the test answers before the exam. [sneak: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sneak is more commonly used than smuggle in everyday language. Sneak is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while smuggle is less common and refers to a specific type of illegal activity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smuggle and sneak?
Smuggle is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone due to its illegal nature, while sneak can be used in both formal and informal contexts.