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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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.

Example 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

Though most stars now end up signing extensions without making it to free agency, the Heat wants to have the flexibility that summer to acquire a star who wants to change teams, via either free agency or trade. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025 The trade made the struggling Sharks even worse, at least in the short term, as the team finished last season with the worst record in the league at 19-54-9, with the second-lowest scoring offense (2.20 goals per game) and the most porous defense (3.98 goals allowed per game). —

Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025

Verb

The Chinese helped make up Chinese names for the Americans, and everyone traded images of home streets, living rooms, and lunches. —

Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Jan. 2025 Unlike most of South America, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador still trade more with the United States than with China. —

Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for trade

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade

Noun

In exchange, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, of whom 18 were serving life sentences.

— Mick Krever, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
In exchange, all 183 prisoners that were due to be freed from Israeli prisons Saturday have been released, an Israeli prison services spokesperson said, after Hamas earlier freed the three hostages.

— Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025