trade 1 of 2

1
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

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2
as in craft
an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands a youth eager to learn the trade of cabinetmaking

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3
4
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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5
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

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
He was replaced by Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative, who recently held trade talks with Ecuador. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 Indiana has rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but the ornamental plant trade, globalization and development have introduced new threats to these ecosystems. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Gold is still trading above the $4,000-per-ounce mark, a more than 50% increase year-to-date. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 Marchand, 37, spent over 15 years of his career with the Bruins before being traded to the Panthers prior to last year’s trade deadline. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade
Noun
  • Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in jail for criminal conspiracy last month, for his role in a scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Iza forwarded the exchange to an associate, as well as a photo of himself posing with a group of officers.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After their visits, stuff is always missing from my house — a hairbrush, my dog’s electric nail file, random dishes and plates, rat traps, laundry detergent packets, dollar store craft items, etc.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • His films have a lot of craft in them.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Earlier this year, the Washington Post reported that computer-programmer employment dropped to its lowest level since the 1980s—one profession that has been hit hardest over the past few years.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The problem of teacher vacancies at MPS — a nationwide issue as fewer graduates enter the profession — has been pervasive and troublesome.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker says she feels refreshed and comfortable in any sleep position with this memory foam pillow.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Newell, who is known for balancing creativity and commerce, has built a reputation for helping emerging designers build their businesses, cultivating exclusive collaborations and creating elevated assortments, the company said.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, after the sale was announced, conservative activist and podcaster Joe Oltmann, a prominent election denier based in Colorado, blasted Leiendecker in a Facebook post.
    Bente Birkeland, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In recent years, some Wyandotte residents have tried to get the government to delay or cancel its tax sales, which usually happen twice a year, to prevent people who have struggled to pay sky-rocketing property tax bills from losing their family homes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Rockets, who surprisingly finished second in the West behind Oklahoma City last season, were dealt a tough blow over the summer, though, when point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the season to a torn ACL suffered during a voluntary workout.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Chiefs’ next opponent was dealt some bad news Wednesday.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mary tweaked the recipe, particularly, swapping instant vanilla pudding for a homemade version.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Stores have cleared out their spooky decor and swapped it for tinsel and bows, and my shopping senses are tingling.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This is the best place to see this art in Europe – and more powerful when seen with someone who knows the stories behind the stones.
    Nigel Hack, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • At the bottom of our splintering reality, there is still real art—real endeavors, inspirations, and feelings.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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