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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The trend, driven by client demand and the advantages of blockchain technology, reflects a shift in Hispanic international trade. Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 Micah Parsons will be back at AT&T Stadium on Sunday exactly one month after his blockbuster trade to the Green Bay Packers. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
That’s when the Grizzlies shifted course and traded Bane, a franchise cornerstone, to the Magic. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 In July, Miami — looking for a new tight end after trading Jonnu Smith to the Steelers for star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick — traded for Waller, who decided to come out of retirement. David Wilson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade
Noun
  • Under the proposal, the release of all Israeli hostages—dead and alive—would occur within 72 hours of Israel formally accepting the deal, in exchange for the release of 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The company also acquired Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve earlier in September.
    Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With a new cohort of Method actors working in today’s Hollywood, Daniel Day-Lewis is disappointed with the craft’s public perception.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Cleyvis Natera, a literary novelist, turns to the genre for craft elements.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lejano said hospitals in his area are expanding capacity while some veteran nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout from the covid pandemic, creating openings.
    Phillip Reese, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Broader trends suggest an uneven labor market, with professions like health care continuing to thrive while other fields lag, Stahle said.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being surrounded by storefronts and housing, the site borders the Green Line light rail station and the A Line bus stops along Snelling, key transit connections that were once expected to inspire commerce.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Sepphoris, as the capital, was the hub of trade, commerce, and government for the entire region of Galilee, located in its geographic center.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Doyle Davis, co-owner of Grimey's New & Preloved Music in East Nashville, told The Tennessean in 2024 that each version purchased counts toward physical music sales.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • General Motors fell 3% despite EV sales doubling from 2024, Ford rose 2% and Stellantis surged 14% as sales rose after eight quarters of declines.
    Benzinga, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Masataka Yoshida dealt the fatal blow, singling both home.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • If the Sharks are not in contention for the playoffs later this season when the trade deadline rolls around, and Klingberg stays healthy, the option to deal him to a contender for an asset is also available.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Photographer Marco Bahler shared snaps of Anderson on Instagram rocking a choppy mullet with bangs, her long-time blonde swapped out for copper red.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • There are multiple styles too, like those in which the handles swapped leather for shiny metals, adding a contemporary twist and masterfully pairing with the models’ midi skirts, playful outerwear clad in primary colors, and preppy tailoring.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Perfect for showcasing small art pieces and mementos in the living room, fine china in the dining room, or books in a home office, the classic geometric cupboard compliments the decor inside of it.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Head to the Museum of the Cherokee People to explore exhibits that chronicle the history, heritage, and arts of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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