trade 1 of 2

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

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

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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

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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

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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
He was replaced by Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative, who recently held trade talks with Ecuador. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 Indiana has rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but the ornamental plant trade, globalization and development have introduced new threats to these ecosystems. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Gold is still trading above the $4,000-per-ounce mark, a more than 50% increase year-to-date. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 Marchand, 37, spent over 15 years of his career with the Bruins before being traded to the Panthers prior to last year’s trade deadline. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade
Noun
  • Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in jail for criminal conspiracy last month, for his role in a scheme to finance his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Iza forwarded the exchange to an associate, as well as a photo of himself posing with a group of officers.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Jimenez, who joined the Navy shortly after his 18th birthday, largely served on PC-616, a patrol craft boat that chased submarines.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And now, with the independence of the legal profession at risk, firms must advocate not just for their own clients, or for their short-term business survival, but for the profession itself.
    Fabio Bertoni, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • This, the medical profession maintains, is the stuff of fiction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker says she feels refreshed and comfortable in any sleep position with this memory foam pillow.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Newell, who is known for balancing creativity and commerce, has built a reputation for helping emerging designers build their businesses, cultivating exclusive collaborations and creating elevated assortments, the company said.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Once the production and sale of recreational liquor became legal again in 1933, the spirit surged in the mid-20th century, slumped in the 1980s and then boomed in the 2010s.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Way Day Decor Deals With Thanksgiving around the corner, now is an ideal time to add an inviting autumnal wreath to your home, especially while there are a variety of options on sale during Way Day.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Rockets, who surprisingly finished second in the West behind Oklahoma City last season, were dealt a tough blow over the summer, though, when point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the season to a torn ACL suffered during a voluntary workout.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Chiefs’ next opponent was dealt some bad news Wednesday.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mary tweaked the recipe, particularly, swapping instant vanilla pudding for a homemade version.
    Pervaiz Shallwani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Stores have cleared out their spooky decor and swapped it for tinsel and bows, and my shopping senses are tingling.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their philanthropic efforts have supported a wide range of causes, including arts, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Protecting fanzines becomes an art — bin bags at the ready.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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