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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as in to smuggle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of black market
Margaret Heidenry, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
Though best known for drug trafficking, the group was involved in a variety of black market operations and enforced its claims through exaggerated and provocative acts of violence.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Caimor’s wealthiest citizens can transfer their Pith, or consciousness, into a chassis, or new body, modified to their every whim… or the poor but terminally ill, like nine-year-old Anabelle, can be transferred into a black-market, stock-model Edgar body in order to save her life.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for black market
Noun
Knowing that nostalgia would appeal to soldiers far from home, Kim’s mother bought a Rosemary Clooney album on the black market, and taught the songs phonetically to the girls.
—Margaret Heidenry, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
Though best known for drug trafficking, the group was involved in a variety of black market operations and enforced its claims through exaggerated and provocative acts of violence.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
However, an expansion in black-market dealings led to a need for more space.
—Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Caimor’s wealthiest citizens can transfer their Pith, or consciousness, into a chassis, or new body, modified to their every whim… or the poor but terminally ill, like nine-year-old Anabelle, can be transferred into a black-market, stock-model Edgar body in order to save her life.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for black market
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black market
Noun
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Experts warn there could be additional economic impacts due to the trade interruptions, including food shortages in some places.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
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Joveljić, who started his MLS career with the Galaxy, joined SKC last season in a cash trade.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During the past few years, the Houthis have become less reliant on Iran for weapons, smuggling in drone components from Chinese companies and small arms from the Horn of Africa.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
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Angela, grieving for her family and friends gone in the war, smuggles goods along the front lines to make a living.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Outside of the clinic, an eager gray market has sprung up, selling unofficial versions of the drugs.—
Bethany Brookshire,
Scientific American,
6 Feb. 2026
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Once a gray market is thriving, who, if anyone, will foot the bill for rigorous research?—
Sara Talpos — Undark,
STAT,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Thus, the Campanos wanted Owen dead, but Frank’s long-standing friendship with Nicholas allowed the latter to barter and keep Hannah and Bailey out of the fray so long as Owen stayed away from them.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2026
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According to reports, the Wolves are boxing the likes of the Knicks, Heat and Warriors in this fight, with Minnesota having no valuable draft compensation with which to barter.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Council of Economic Advisers estimates that phasing out Illinois’ income tax would produce a $5,500 wage hike for the average worker — more pre-tax earnings — and increase business startups by as much as 26%.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
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Iyengar also provides peer-to-peer counseling to the organization’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program for survivors starting their own businesses.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The fact we’re getting bootlegged and people are grabbing our voices and using ’em, rap needs to be taken as serious as any other genre!—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
11 July 2025
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In 1920s Anaheim, the big local issue was bootlegging and Catholics, who were seen as foreigners in what was supposed to be an Anglo-Saxon Protestant country.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The parade was followed by a two-day festival that included live entertainment ranging from bagpipes and Irish folk music to Celtic rock, Irish foods and beverages and an Irish marketplace with more than 250 vendors.—
Jane Tyska,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
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In addition to workshops and demonstrations, the gardening event will feature a succulent swap, tool sharpening (limits apply), and a marketplace to shop a variety of plants, birdhouses and homegrown edible items at a farmers market.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Cowboys and Pickens’ agent haven’t exchanged any contract offers to merit progress toward a new deal.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
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When residents go through the checkout line in the grocery store, no money will be exchanged.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Black market.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black%20market. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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