Synonyms of industry

industry

noun

ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē 

as in effort

attentive and persistent effort

he isn't the smartest kid in class, but he gets the best grades by determined industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effort
• diligence
• industriousness
• application
• persistence
• assiduity
• assiduousness
• attention
• concentration
• effortfulness
• attentiveness
• sedulity
• care
• sedulousness
• tenacity
• perseverance
• doggedness
• pains
• painstaking
• trouble
• bother
• tirelessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• negligence
• carelessness
• idleness
• laziness
• slackness
• indolence

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

Recent Examples of industry

Here’s a look at the most intriguing quarterback in each of our seven tiers with some thoughts from those in the industry. — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Jones hopes the study finds improvements to the current system Charlotte Water works under, and that the state avoids overinvesting into industries that take up a lot of water such as data centers. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Mancilla, who’s 60, said he’s been in the restaurant industry for nearly 40 years. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

But this means navigating an industry-wide supply-chain crisis driven by AI demand for memory chips. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 July 2026