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 Keough's emotional letter to her grandmother was publicized as part of the legal dispute between Priscilla and her former business partners. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025 Humus has collaborated with the likes of Davines, the Italian beauty company recognized for its sustainable business model, and Slow Food Italia, among others. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025 Economists, businesses and some public companies have warned that tariffs could raise prices on a wide range of consumer products. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2025 Aguilar and her husband, who are based in Southern California, started their own photo booth business in March 2023 to help pay off their student loans. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for business
Recent Examples of Synonyms for business
Noun
  • Business owners in the area remembered the designer’s patronage fondly.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Princess Kate's patronage is a newer royal role.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In its Columbus headquarters, Apex has grown to over 300 producing agents without external funding or independent recruiting firms.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The company is now owned by Staples, which is controlled by the private equity firm Sycamore Partners.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These matters concerning candidate quality are nothing new.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The executives were able to meet with Pope Leo in a private audience that included others, according to a person familiar with the matter.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Again, as new car sales in Europe are expected to decline, the industry’s growth will increasingly come from lifetime value—whether through connected services, feature upgrades or in-car commerce that extends the customer relationship.
    Hans Kristian Aas, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • And honestly, because art is often tied in with commerce, commodification and fame, saying this can sound privileged, but art can be very necessary for people.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In a 2004 study, the United States Institute of Peace said that hundreds of terrorist groups had migrated online, utilizing a tool meant for better communication for often nefarious purposes.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other Notable Winners NBC’s Saturday Night Live earned recognition beyond its anniversary special, taking home three technical awards in areas like set design, lighting, and sound.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of Anglo, will take the top job and Anglo Teck while Teck’s chief executive Jonathan Price, will be his deputy.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • That’s when Billy Napier accepted the Florida job.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • When does compromise become treachery or defeat?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Could Juno be behind this treachery, as payback for David destroying her spy corporation and for changing his oldest daughter into a killer?
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/business. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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