INDUSTRIES Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

industry

noun

ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē

Definition of industry next

as in effort

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

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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

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 industry The rest of the industry knows how much Brexton’s racing career meant to Kyle. —

Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 If the insect was left unchecked, the disease could cost the California wine industry $166 million annually, California Department of Food and Agriculture officials said in an email. —

Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 The achievement arrives amid broader industry efforts to develop viable electric and hybrid propulsion for aviation. —

Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026 Drug companies are racing to catch up with industry leaders Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, and improve patients’ experience with the weight-loss drugs. —

Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for industry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industry

Noun

Second District Supervisor Holly Mitchell led the effort for Measure ER along with First District Supervisor Hilda Solis.

— Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 10 June 2026
The project is being framed as both a preservation effort and a forward-looking investment in the heart of Chinatown.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 10 June 2026