What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sootlike
Example
The burnt toast had a sootlike texture. [sootlike: adjective]
Example
The air was filled with sootlike particles from the factory smokestacks. [sootlike: adjective]
Example
The abandoned building had a sootlike atmosphere, with dark walls and a musty smell. [sootlike: adjective]
sooty
Example
The chimney sweep emerged from the fireplace with a sooty face. [sooty: adjective]
Example
The car's exhaust emitted a sooty cloud. [sooty: adjective]
Example
The city skyline was obscured by a sooty haze. [sooty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sooty is more commonly used than sootlike in everyday language, especially in the context of pollution or dirtiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sootlike and sooty?
Both sootlike and sooty are relatively informal words, but sooty may be slightly more formal due to its wider usage and association with technical terms related to pollution and environmental science.