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

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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.

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 industry Together, Feig’s keynote and Glaser’s recognition underscore the intersection of creative vision and legal excellence that defines the modern entertainment industry — making Power of Law one of the most essential gatherings for leaders shaping the business of entertainment today. —

William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026 But as the industry matured and table games were added, casinos downsized the number of machines on their floors. —

Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026 The British television industry gathering announced plans to potentially relocate last year, and organizers have now selected three bids to move forward for review. —

Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026 The good news for the industry is there appears to be more stability for the local Middle Eastern airlines that largely suspended services at the start of the war as various countries in the region closed their airspace. —

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for industry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industry

Noun

The initiative reflects broader efforts by city authorities and technology companies to explore how AI can improve customer service, accessibility, and operational efficiency in transportation hubs.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
The effort would assess state departments and gather feedback from public employees to identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary spending.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026