Synonyms of commerce

commerce

noun

ˈkä-(ˌ)mərs 

1

as in marketplace

the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places

a government agency in charge of regulating interstate commerce

Synonyms & Similar Words

• marketplace
• trade
• traffic
• business
• dealings
• retailing
• free trade
• merchandising
• black market
• gray market
• horse-trading
• bartering
• wholesaling
• e-tail

2

as in interaction

doings between individuals or groups

when I was doing outside consulting for the company, I never had much commerce with the in-house staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interaction
• relation
• intercourse
• dealings
• interrelationship
• companionship
• cross-fertilization
• cross-pollination
• company

3

as in sex

sexual union involving penetration of the vagina by the penis

rumors of commerce between the lady and the knight spread throughout the court

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sex
• relations
• intercourse
• mating
• sexuality
• copulation
• sex act
• making love
• coitus
• sexual intercourse
• sexual relations
• coupling
• breeding
• lovemaking
• coition
• congress
• getting it on
• copulating
• fornication
• safe sex
• carnality
• insemination
• dalliance
• hanky-panky
• whoopee

Synonym Chooser

How is the word commerce distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of commerce are business, industry, trade, and traffic. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

When might business be a better fit than commerce?

The meanings of business and commerce largely overlap; however, business may be an inclusive term but specifically designates the activities of those engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities or in related financial transactions.

Where would industry be a reasonable alternative to commerce?

The words industry and commerce are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

When would traffic be a good substitute for commerce?

The synonyms traffic and commerce are sometimes interchangeable, but traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of commerce

This evolution goes beyond pop-ups, creating complete brand environments where hospitality, commerce, and lifestyle merge seamlessly. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

The company’s goal is to curate films, series, podcasts, daily devotionals, community, commerce, and travel in one connected destination. — Brent Lang, Variety, 8 July 2026

The booming environment extended to every facet of Kansas City life, from local business to commerce and nightlife, proving even during difficult periods Kansas City found a way to persevere. — Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Captains of commerce mingled with Eras Tour dancers, Hollywood royalty traded stories with NFL champions. — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026