business

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as in patronage
transactions or economic support provided by customers only places that are equal opportunity employers will get my business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in commerce
the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places this bookstore is a place of business, not a free library, so please do your reading elsewhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in purpose
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists plants going about the business of photosynthesis provide the Earth with a renewable source of oxygen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun business differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of business are calling, employment, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When is it sensible to use calling instead of business?

In some situations, the words calling and business are roughly equivalent. However, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When would employment be a good substitute for business?

The words employment and business can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

In what contexts can métier take the place of business?

Although the words métier and business have much in common, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When might occupation be a better fit than business?

The words occupation and business are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When can pursuit be used instead of business?

While the synonyms pursuit and business are close in meaning, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

Where would work be a reasonable alternative to business?

The meanings of work and business largely overlap; however, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 business The suspect in the killing of a 54-year-old woman in a Broward business two days ago was tracked down and arrested by deputies on Friday, authorities say. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025 Whether your business is contemplating a first-time MSP relationship or evaluating your current partner, these internal best practices are essential. Nolan Garrett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Reinsurance is a vital part of Florida’s insurance system that affects how much homeowners and businesses pay in premiums. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025 Once a niche player catering to middle-market borrowers — or companies that fall between small businesses and large corporations, which are typically underserved by traditional banks — private credit has grown into a $1.7 trillion industry . Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for business
Recent Examples of Synonyms for business
Noun
  • The filing comes days after four high-ranking former New York City police officials filed a separate suit alleging that Adams doled out patronage promotions and a culture of cronyism in the NYPD, according to the Associated Press.
    James Powel, USA Today, 17 July 2025
  • In a post on its Google business profile, Matt the Miller's thanked its customers for years of patronage.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The battery market in the U.S. is large, with the market size being nearly $17 billion in 2023 and expected to grow almost 14% by 2030, according to market research consulting firm Grand View Research.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Irish whiskey firms, Italian cheesemakers and French wine producers are among those who have sounded the alarm over the potential impact.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and will have additional details to share very shortly.
    Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
  • After a reported incident of fan harassment against Reese during the Fever and Sky's first game of the season on May 17, the WNBA launched an investigation into the matter.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Both Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz and style commerce editor Jake Henry Smith own and love Melissa’s iconic Possession sandals, which kicked off the original jelly sandals craze back in the ’80s.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Baek believes the future of K-beauty—and commerce more broadly—won't be shaped by ads or product launches but by trust, authenticity, and people.
    Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Just over two weeks after deadly flash floods hit Central Texas, the Kerrville city officials announced the number of missing people has dropped to three in Kerr County, the area most devastated by the disaster.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 July 2025
  • The company, which leased the area in 2014, received a key permit from President Joe Biden’s (D) Department of the Interior at the end of 2024.
    Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Great companies create cultures where ideas matter more than job titles.
    JJ Rosen, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
  • Data showed across seven Valley cities that there were 158 full-time employees with a park ranger job title.
    Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The six-parter, to debut July 14, follows six groups of friends, and six historical cases of murder and treachery among them.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
  • But amid the bloodbaths and treacheries, Westeros still penciled in time for a little romance — some more compelling than others (Jon and Ygritte > Jon and Daenerys).
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/business. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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