What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toned
Example
She has a toned body from her regular workouts. [toned: adjective]
Example
He is working on getting more toned by lifting weights. [toned: verb]
muscular
Example
He has a muscular build from years of weightlifting. [muscular: adjective]
Example
She is training hard to become more muscular for her upcoming competition. [muscular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toned is more commonly used in everyday language than muscular. It is a term that is often used in fitness and health contexts to describe a desirable body type. Muscular, on the other hand, is more specific and often used in bodybuilding and weightlifting contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between toned and muscular?
Both toned and muscular can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, muscular may be perceived as more formal due to its association with bodybuilding and weightlifting competitions.
