BLACK-MARKET Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

black market 1 of 2

noun

Definition of black market

as in trade

a system through which things are bought and sold illegally The black market in prescription drugs is thriving. They unloaded the stolen goods on the black market.

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black-market

2 of 2

verb

as in to smuggle

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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 black market

Noun

Authorities surmised that the robbers most likely broke the diamond down into smaller pieces and sold it on the black market. — Moises Mendez Ii, InStyle, 22 July 2026 With each passing day that the jewels remain missing, fears grow that these pieces of French national heritage have been dismantled, their famed emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds cut apart and sold on the black market. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 14 July 2026

Verb

Fruit, candy, and dessert-like flavors already proliferate among black-market e-cigarettes. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 6 May 2026 Since 2011, Syria has lost 85 percent of its gross domestic product; 90 percent of the population is poor and relies on black-market imports from Turkey. — Alvaro Vargas Llosa, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for black market

Recent Examples of Synonyms for black market

Noun

The uneven outing came hours after manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees (64-51) — who did not acquire a reliever before Monday’s MLB trade deadline — could soon bolster their bullpen by moving at least one starter into a relief role.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
After the first-place Braves failed to pick up a top-line starting pitcher ahead of the trade deadline, Elder and Grant Holmes made strong cases for the rotation Atlanta already has.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of trade

Verb

The Civil Guard said the operation with Ecuador’s National Police, which was overseen by Europol, targeted a ring that was financed by investors in Dubai and was smuggling drugs from South America into Spain in shipping containers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Dangerous tides Contraband fuel To avoid taxes and high import fees, gasoline and diesel fuel legally purchased in the United States is being smuggled into Mexico.

— Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of smuggle

Noun

But the gray market exploded several years ago, after the FDA placed many of them on a list that prohibited compounding pharmacies from making them due to safety concerns.

— Will Stone, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Currently, some consumers get them online from a risky, unregulated gray market, without ever consulting a physician.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of gray market

Verb

Through three tedious roll calls, Roosevelt forces bartered with delegations and finally put their man over the top on the fourth try when House Speaker John Nance Garner folded his candidacy in exchange for the vice presidential nomination.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
Fromage fest One of the oldest cheese shops in Paris, Fromagerie La Fontaine has been bartering its bries and bleus since 1890.

— Mary Winston Nicklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

Definition of barter

Noun

Persistent uncertainty The US economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs last month, the BLS reported Friday, as businesses navigated the ongoing fallout from the months-long Iran war.

— Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
So recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring dozens, hundreds, or thousands of new analysts is a cost of doing business.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of business

Verb

After the songs were bootlegged for years, Coe began selling them on his website in 2000, though without his name on them.

— Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
With Dallas leading 27-21 and San Francisco driving late in the fourth quarter, Joe Montana and the 49ers lined up in a split formation, with Montana bootlegging out to the right upon taking the snap.

— R.J. Coyle, Dallas Morning News, 25 Jan. 2026

Definition of bootleg

Noun

Fortunately for us, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances remains America’s greatest advantage in the global marketplace.

— Ted Leonsis, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
His main priority will then be to avoid any injury that might compromise his value in the marketplace.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of marketplace

Verb

With no protection, Raq meets again with detectives to exchange information on Pino and Stefano (Tony Danza) for full immunity and witness protection for her AND Kanan.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Weatherford police were notified by Child Protective Services on July 30 that Liles was accused of exchanging inappropriate text messages with a student, according to a Facebook post from the department.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of exchange

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Style

“Black market.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black%20market. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of black market

noun

verb

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