TRADE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of trade are business , commerce , industry , and traffic . While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

Q: In what contexts can 'business' take the place of 'trade'?

The words business and trade can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When could 'industry' be used to replace 'trade'?

The words industry and trade are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

Q: When can 'traffic' be used instead of 'trade'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trade , traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

trade 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrād

Definition of trade next

as in exchange

a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another when the other team unexpectedly offered to hand over its top pitcher for our star shortstop, our coach agreed to the trade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in craft

an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands a youth eager to learn the trade of cabinetmaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in profession

the activity by which one regularly makes a living writing is my trade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in commerce

the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places a bill regulating trade with that country

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as in sale

the transfer of ownership of something from one person to another for a price the trade of all of her holdings in the company just before the stock plunged in value immediately aroused suspicions

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trade

2 of 2

verb

as in to deal

to carry on the business of buying and selling goods or other property the U.S. agreed to trade with China

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exchange

to give up (something) and take something else in return I'll trade my chocolate chip cookie for your bag of chips

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trade distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of trade are business, commerce, industry, and traffic. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

In what contexts can business take the place of trade?

The words business and trade can be used in similar contexts, but 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.

When could industry be used to replace trade?

The words industry and trade are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

When can traffic be used instead of trade?

While in some cases nearly identical to trade, 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 trade

Noun

Two weeks before the trade, Byard’s son Amari was born at 26 weeks. —

Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025 His son bought up the tools of the trade and put them to use, running chain lines late into his life. —

Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

Verb

The stock trades at 1.39 book and with a price-earnings ratio of 11.67. —

John Navin, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Hill will have a $27.7 million cap hit in 2025 yet that figure could change depending on when he’s traded. —

C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for trade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade

Noun

Distributed free by local officials, supplies are abundant at the house where Sleaze smokes fentanyl and works security in exchange for drugs.

Maurice Tamman, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024
In exchange for the 32-year-old, the Yankees received right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson, the team announced Friday.

Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024