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
  • Wexner emailed Epstein on June 26, 2008, after a plea deal was announced that would require him to serve 18 months in a Florida jail on a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor in order to avoid federal prosecution.
    JULIE CARR SMYTH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The emails indicate that Ruemmler, who served as White House counsel under President Barack Obama, forwarded Epstein’s internal material related to the administration’s handling of the 2012 Secret Service prostitution scandal, asking for his input in communicating with reporters.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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