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

Relevance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sex work
prostitution
Noun
  • Joel Perez Leonardo, 25, was charged with harassment, menacing, patronizing a person for prostitution, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Bronx Criminal Court on Thursday.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s reputation has been tarnished by his relationship with Epstein ever since 2008, when the wealthy American financier pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sex work.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sex%20work. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster