business

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as in patronage
transactions or economic support provided by customers only places that are equal opportunity employers will get my business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in commerce
the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places this bookstore is a place of business, not a free library, so please do your reading elsewhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in purpose
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists plants going about the business of photosynthesis provide the Earth with a renewable source of oxygen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun business differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of business are calling, employment, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When is it sensible to use calling instead of business?

In some situations, the words calling and business are roughly equivalent. However, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When would employment be a good substitute for business?

The words employment and business can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

In what contexts can métier take the place of business?

Although the words métier and business have much in common, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When might occupation be a better fit than business?

The words occupation and business are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When can pursuit be used instead of business?

While the synonyms pursuit and business are close in meaning, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

Where would work be a reasonable alternative to business?

The meanings of work and business largely overlap; however, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 business Protecting people, not just businesses, is the government’s job. The Editors, Scientific American, 20 May 2025 Students involved in crafting the ordinance acknowledged that the cost of buying non-plastic goods will be higher for local businesses. Shawn P. Sullivan, USA Today, 9 May 2025 With inflation rising faster than wages, consumer and business confidence are waning. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The Philly was listed as a business to boycott on a popular state employee Reddit group. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for business
Recent Examples of Synonyms for business
Noun
  • The line between patronage and participation is starting to blur, and crypto gives that sentiment a technical foundation.
    Azeem Khan, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • As monarch, King Charles is the head of the Armed Forces, with his eldest son William and his wife Kate holding several honorary roles and patronages related to the military.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Navarro has also reportedly advised Rubio on real estate transactions, and his firm loaned Rubio $850,000 in January 2021, with Navarro serving as the witness for the loan agreement.
    David Catanese, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • If your firm is pivoting direction—whether in products, markets or partnerships—don’t assume stakeholders will follow just because the logic is sound.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • And though Madrid hasn’t released an official ‘comunicado’ on the matter, it is widely expected that the Italian will be replaced by Xabi Alonso ahead of the Club World Cup.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.
    Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Christopher Murray is a commerce writer for Fox News who specializes in topics like outdoor gear, DIY projects, grills, pet products and auto must-haves.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025
  • Georgia Avenue, which runs through the heart of the area, was a commerce center, filled with stores and restaurants from the 1920s through 1950s, but the development of the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) emptied out the neighborhood.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Inside were human skeletal remains which officials believe were deposited for ritual purposes before the site was abandoned, according to the release.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • On May 8, a hunter discovered human remains on Cedar Mountain, and after alerting authorities about the finding, law enforcement responded to the area and retrieved them, the Kane County Sheriff's Office reported this week.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Oilers general manager Stan Bowman did much to address this area during the 2024-25 season.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The outplacement firm estimates that teens will gain around one million jobs across May, June and July this year, a stark drop from its forecast of 1.3 million last year and a slight decline from the 1.1 million that were eventually added.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • With time, Dewan’s father eventually went back to school, got a solid state job, and worked at the post office and a hospital.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Press play below to learn more about Wells’ treachery, and to get a sneak peek at the fugitive interacting with her latest target.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Sinners is one of the great vampire movies of the modern age, mining the legend of these perpetual outsiders who desperately yearn to belong, but whose silky promises are rooted in treachery.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/business. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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