What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stranger
Example
I saw a stranger walking down the street. [stranger: noun]
Example
She felt like a stranger in the new city. [stranger: adjective]
newcomer
Example
The school welcomed the newcomers with a special orientation program. [newcomers: plural noun]
Example
He's a newcomer to the world of online gaming. [newcomer: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stranger is more commonly used than newcomer in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be applied to various situations. However, newcomer is more commonly used in specific contexts, such as welcoming new members to a group or community.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stranger and newcomer?
Both stranger and newcomer are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation. However, newcomer may be slightly more formal when used in professional or organizational settings to welcome new members or employees.
