What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smuggled
Example
The police found a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes in the truck. [smuggled: adjective]
Example
He was caught trying to smuggle drugs across the border. [smuggle: verb]
contraband
Example
The customs officer seized the contraband goods at the airport. [contraband: noun]
Example
It is illegal to import contraband items into the country. [contraband: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contraband is more commonly used than smuggled in formal and legal contexts, while smuggled is more commonly used in everyday language and news reports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smuggled and contraband?
Contraband is more formal than smuggled and is often used in legal or official contexts, while smuggled is more informal and casual in tone.
