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

If a state purchases manufactured drugs on the black market, which comes at a huge markup, that breaks pharmaceutical company distribution controls. — Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 If by accident, why keep feeding resources and people to these wars against black markets? — Daniel Peña, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

As Collin presents the French side of the Occupation, the Parisians are either victims, black-market opportunists, or accomplices of one sort or another. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 That’s part of a black-market advertising bonanza on the social media site, where sellers are now hawking fake GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and experimental Chinese peptides alongside knockoff luxury handbags and sneakers. — Iain Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for black market

Recent Examples of Synonyms for black market

Noun

The bootblack squats beside a chest containing the tools of his trade.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
With shifting tariff rules and trade policies, merchants need to stay flexible to handle sudden political and financial changes.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of trade

Verb

Meanwhile, a large percentage of the fentanyl, cocaine and heroin seized along the border was being smuggled in cars and trucks passing through checkpoints, not the areas in between.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
No one knows exactly how many creatures are being smuggled out, but one of the current challenges is what to do with the ones that are seized by law enforcement.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of smuggle

Noun

The buzz around retatrutide has contributed to a thriving gray market serving people looking for serious weight loss who aren’t interested in waiting for the FDA to approve the drug.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Suppliers on the gray market can include compounding pharmacies, med spas, and telehealth companies.

— Kara McGrath, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of gray market

Verb

In the second-season finale, some time after Aemond had killed Rhaenyra’s son Luke, Alicent arrives in secret to Dragonstone to barter Aegon’s life in exchange for peace, and safety in particular for her daughter (and Aegon’s wife) Helaena.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of barter

Noun

Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
View gallery - 4 images For all the extraordinary things that consumer 3D printers can produce, changing color has remained a surprisingly messy business.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 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

ChatGPT is the most popular chatbot in the world, commanding nearly half the American marketplace, states said in their lawsuits.

— Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Days ago, the chief content officer at the streaming giant was in Cannes receiving an honor while the MIPCOM marketplace was in full swing, before turning to unveil a major World Cup media rights deal a day later.

— Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of marketplace

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blackmails

black market

black-market

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Black market.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black%20market. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of black market

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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