What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
venomous
Example
The snake is venomous, so be careful not to get bitten. [venomous: adjective]
Example
His venemous words were meant to hurt her feelings. [venemous: adjective]
Example
The venemous plant should not be touched without protective gloves. [venemous: adjective]
poisonous
Example
The berries are poisonous, so don't eat them. [poisonous: adjective]
Example
The poisonous plant caused a rash on her skin when she touched it. [poisonous: adjective]
Example
The fumes from the poisonous gas were harmful to breathe. [poisonous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poisonous is more commonly used than venomous in everyday language. Poisonous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while venomous is less common and refers specifically to organisms that produce venom.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between venomous and poisonous?
Both venomous and poisonous are formal words that are typically used in scientific or technical contexts. However, poisonous is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
