What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
traffick
Example
The company trafficks in luxury cars from Europe. [trafficks: verb]
Example
Human traffickers prey on vulnerable individuals seeking a better life. [traffickers: noun]
smuggle
Example
The man was caught trying to smuggle drugs across the border. [smuggle: verb]
Example
She smuggled some snacks into the movie theater in her purse. [smuggled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Traffick is more commonly used than smuggle in everyday language, especially in legal or commercial contexts. Smuggle is less common and usually associated with illegal or illicit activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between traffick and smuggle?
Traffick is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while smuggle is typically associated with a more informal or colloquial tone and is not commonly used in formal settings.
