INDUSTRY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

industry

noun

ˈin-(ˌ)də-strē

Definition of industry next

as in effort

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

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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

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 industry Lucy Maguire is Features Director at Vogue Business, writing and commissioning features across all verticals, with a focus on fashion industry moves, international fashion weeks, trends and consumer behaviour, alongside interviews with key designers, founders and executives. —

Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2026 But as Blue Owl’s stumble rattles the industry, its standing in Washington is also getting shakier. —

Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026 Still, Kipka knows that audit fatigue is a real phenomenon and that the industry has no appetite for another stand-alone tool. —

Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026 Cash App has largely been at the forefront of pop culture collaborations in the music industry, so their involvement comes as no surprise. —

Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for industry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for industry

Noun

Gore said in a statement that because the project has encountered issues, the department has been making efforts to improve transparency and accountability.

— William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026
With the state of emergency, response and recovery efforts are offered to Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Wexford counties.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026