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.

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 Companies across various industries have made efforts to remove PFAS from their products in recent years. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025 The awards, which are among the most prestigious in the U.S. culinary industry, are marking their 35th anniversary this year. Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 Many of the people in the TV and film industry impacted by the fires are not A-list celebrities, del Barco reminds. Brittney Melton, NPR, 23 Jan. 2025 There’s little reason to believe that less exclusivity in the industry is a bad thing. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for industry 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for industry
Noun
  • The court’s decision foiled Knox’s last-ditch effort to completely clear herself of criminal wrongdoing in the case of Kercher’s slaying.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • When asked about potential water supply issues, Kelliher said crews are fortunate to have direct access to Castaic Lake and other nearby reservoirs for their firefighting efforts.
    Brandon Miller, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This level of diligence protects you from errors and potential audits.
    Tiffany Grant, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Owing mostly to the lack of diligence, Layton got a one-year suspension that began Dec. 27.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Online applications will be accepted through March 7.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
  • After a thorough investigation with the assistance of the West Hartford Police Department, police named Preston as the suspect in the theft, and an arrest warrant application was submitted and approved by New Britain Superior Court, according to police.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The persistence of these symptoms suggests the need for a medical evaluation to identify any underlying causes.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Getting your name out there and building your brand image takes foresight, persistence, and connections.
    John Hall, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • These indestructible treasures have always been buried in matter, awaiting the invention of scanning electron microscopes and scientists with enough assiduity to spend decades on end peering into their atomic eyes.
    Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2023
  • Lee is hardly the first biographer to be wooed by the allure of her subject; to risk being squashed by the weight of her research; or to concede that, despite her assiduity, much will elude her grasp.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2021

Thesaurus Entries Near industry

Cite this Entry

“Industry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/industry. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on industry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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