sex work

Definition of sex worknext
as in prostitution
the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money The city moved to decriminalize sex work.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sex work
prostitution
Noun
  • In 2021, federal prosecutors convicted him of nine felony counts, including distributing methamphetamine resulting in death and enticement to cross state lines to engage in prostitution.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to state charges of soliciting prostitution in exchange for having a federal case against him dropped.
    Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
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“Sex work.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sex%20work. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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