tradecraft

noun

trade·​craft ˈtrād-ˌkraft How to pronounce tradecraft (audio)
Synonyms of tradecraftnext
: the techniques and procedures of espionage

Examples of tradecraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
She’s never worked in intelligence, carried a badge, or been taught tradecraft. — Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026 Nemes does not give us any time to figure out who’s who and, really, what’s happening, but watching all this furtive tradecraft is compelling enough. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Lotan is a former intelligence officer, who worked at the intersection of tradecraft and diplomacy, working globally across defense agencies and embassies. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Failure to do so would prevent the intelligence community from adopting cutting-edge technology that will allow tradecraft and operations to stay dominant in a constantly evolving landscape. — Ann Wagner, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tradecraft

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tradecraft was in 1961

Rhymes for tradecraft

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Browse Nearby Words

trade council
tradecraft
trade cumulus
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Cite this Entry

“Tradecraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradecraft. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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