INDUSTRY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'industry' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of industry are business , commerce , trade , and traffic . While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

Q: When might 'business' be a better fit than 'industry'?

While the synonyms business and industry are close in meaning, business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

Q: How do 'commerce' and 'trade' relate to one another, in the sense of 'industry'?

Both commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

Q: When could 'traffic' be used to replace 'industry'?

The meanings of traffic and industry largely overlap; however, traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

industry

noun

ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē

Definition of industry next

as in effort

attentive and persistent effort he isn't the smartest kid in class, but he gets the best grades by determined industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word industry distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of industry are business, commerce, trade, and traffic. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

When might business be a better fit than industry?

While the synonyms business and industry are close in meaning, business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

How do commerce and trade relate to one another, in the sense of industry?

Both commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

When could traffic be used to replace industry?

The meanings of traffic and industry largely overlap; however, traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of industry In May this year, a Bectu survey was taken from over 200 people across the country’s creative industries to better understand the problem. —

Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Dec. 2024 The Spanish technology company, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of its laser technology in 2024, enhanced the lab with technological solutions that reduce water, chemical, and energy use in the textile industry. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Dec. 2024 One industry group says the nation is losing $12 million in productivity and sales for every hour power is out. —

José María León Cabrera, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Recent changes in the shipping industry could be a factor. —

Lauren Sommer, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for industry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industry

Noun

Olive oil is the star of the show, so a poor-quality oil will undermine your efforts.

Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
Other legislation signed recently included an act to help continue efforts to evacuate Afghans who served alongside U.S. military members, diplomats and aid workers in Afghanistan.

Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024