INDUSTRY 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 Missourians for Fair Governance, a campaign group formed by the Missouri Association of Realtors, the advocacy arm of the state’s real estate industry, sued top state officials in October to strike down the language. —

Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026 The Veterinary Meeting & Expo drew 30,000 visitors for a five-day gathering and the PGA of America Golf Professionals Show lured 33,000 golf industry professionals from 94 countries and all 50 states. —

Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026 Four people were critically injured after an explosion at a commercial facility that Gloucester County officials say processes cocoa butter for the chocolate industry in Logan Township, New Jersey, on Wednesday afternoon. —

Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 The startup targets industries where labor is physically demanding or hazardous. —

Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for industry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industry

Noun

Eco effort As with many high-end resorts in Costa Rica, there is a relentless desire to preserve the beauty of its host country.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
Lael talked about efforts to push more early voting to prevent the kind of issues voters in Dallas County faced on election day.

— Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026