Synonyms of industry

industry

noun

ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē 

as in effort

attentive and persistent effort

he isn't the smartest kid in class, but he gets the best grades by determined industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effort
• diligence
• industriousness
• application
• persistence
• assiduity
• assiduousness
• attention
• concentration
• effortfulness
• attentiveness
• sedulity
• care
• sedulousness
• tenacity
• perseverance
• doggedness
• pains
• painstaking
• trouble
• bother
• tirelessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• negligence
• carelessness
• idleness
• laziness
• slackness
• indolence

Synonym Chooser

How is the word industry distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of industry are business, commerce, trade, and traffic. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

When might business be a better fit than industry?

While the synonyms business and industry are close in meaning, 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.

How do commerce and trade relate to one another, in the sense of industry?

Both commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

When could traffic be used to replace industry?

The meanings of traffic and industry largely overlap; however, traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of industry

Robertson also emphasized that modern mining careers look different from historical perceptions of the industry. — Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

The category shift the beauty industry has been circling for two years is finally landing below the neck. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

First, don’t rely on the industry to protect youth when its business model depends on hooking new customers and keeping them using their product. — Susan Morrisey, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026

Tallman — who has retained an attorney and is researching his litigation options against Sanders and Drastic Measures — is still in the industry as well. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026