What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
twiddle
Example
She twiddled her thumbs while waiting for the bus. [twiddled: past tense]
Example
He twiddled the knobs on the radio, trying to find a clear station. [twiddled: verb]
tweak
Example
I just need to tweak the settings on my computer to get it running smoothly. [tweak: verb]
Example
The chef tweaked the recipe to make it more flavorful. [tweaked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tweak is more commonly used than twiddle in everyday language. Tweak is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while twiddle is less common and often used in informal language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between twiddle and tweak?
Tweak is more formal than twiddle and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Twiddle is more informal and is typically used in casual conversations or situations.
