What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smuggling
Example
The police arrested a group of men for smuggling drugs across the border. [smuggling: verb]
Example
The smuggler hid the contraband in the back of his truck to avoid detection. [contraband: noun]
contraband
Example
The customs officer seized the contraband cigarettes from the passenger's luggage. [contraband: noun]
Example
The police found a stash of contraband weapons in the suspect's house. [contraband: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contraband is more commonly used than smuggling in everyday language. Contraband is a more specific term that is often used in legal or official contexts, while smuggling is more commonly used in informal or colloquial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smuggling and contraband?
Contraband is a more formal term that is often used in legal or official contexts, while smuggling is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
