Definition of tradenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
BlackRock, the largest asset manager on earth, put up $100 million over five years to connect 50,000 workers with skilled trades training. — Alok Chanani, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Their rosters are the products of shrewd trades and rigorous international scouting, wise draft picks that paid dividends years after they were made. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
Rather, the onus is on them to plan with a mindset that factors in all those variables to trade them off as the need arises. — Charlie Sanchez, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The Rays traded the 29-year-old to Milwaukee just before the season began in March. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade
Noun
  • Russia received 25 bodies of Russian soldiers, Russian lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev, a member of a parliamentary coordination group overseeing the exchanges, told RBC news outlet.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • He was ejected from a Chicago Sky game in August following a verbal exchange with guard Natasha Cloud and was later banned from the team’s arena.
    — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Evolution also has a key differentiator with its Cinematography Focus, a section celebrating the art, vision, and craft of cinematography.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The programming includes everything from live music and strolling carolers to festive crafts and local vendors.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The clientele here is notably upscale, in-the-know, and coming from all fields of business, with an emphasis on creative professions and the luxury fashion world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Schupbach also presented the Museum at FIT Student Award to Chloe LaBel, an art history and museum professions student at FIT, Class of 2027.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Leaderboard Rick Buffington was named CFO of Wiser Solutions, a commerce intelligence platform.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The problem is part of a much larger shift in online commerce.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The album’s marketing amplified this point, perhaps piggybacking on the idea that real-life salaciousness could drive sales.
    — Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026
  • There are appeal options, but a one-time home sale doesn’t necessarily qualify.
    — Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Harry lives by a code, stealing and dealing only tangible things — cash, phones, jewelry.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This year, however, trails were closed to protect the desert tortoise, dealing a fatal blow to the town's crucial tourism industry.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • That’s forced likely right tackle Kahlil Benson to swap sides and thrust Jaylon Moore into action.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Scammers had been fooling Apple by returning iPhone boxes with the original accessories, internal components, or even the phone itself swapped out.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In Minor Black Figures, Taylor casts a sharp gaze on the New York art scene through the eyes of Wyeth, a young Black painter caught in the throes of creative struggle.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • During the first weekend of every month, certain cardholders can experience art, culture and history at no cost.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated October 26, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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