traffic 1 of 2

as in commerce
the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places they contributed money to an environmental group that works to end the traffic of endangered animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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traffic

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word traffic distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of traffic are business, commerce, industry, and trade. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," traffic applies to the operation and functioning of public carriers of goods and persons.

Where would business be a reasonable alternative to traffic?

While the synonyms business and traffic 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 are the words commerce and trade related as synonyms of traffic?

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

When would industry be a good substitute for traffic?

The words industry and traffic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, industry applies to the producing of commodities, especially by manufacturing or processing, usually on a large scale.

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 traffic
Noun
Some residents opposed the development, citing traffic congestion and neighborhood safety. Emilie Takahashi, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 If other specialty units were to be further affected by the shortage, Mager wrote the department may be forced to get help from an outside agency for investigations of homicides, shootings and other violent crimes, as well as traffic homicide investigations. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025
Verb
Authorities allege that Scollay recruited the 13-year-old girl in the Bay Area, after she’d already been trafficked by a number of other people. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 30 May 2025 Twenty assault rifles and two Barrett .50-caliber rifles were set to be trafficked into Mexico in August 2023 in the back of a pickup truck for the purchase price of US$66,000. Sean Campbell, The Conversation, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for traffic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traffic
Noun
  • In confronting the Mexican government for its failure to prevent the femicides, the band also challenges a culture in which commerce is valued more than the lives of the workers who keep it running.
    Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
  • Five of the defendants are also charged with two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by robbery, as well as additional counts of theft from interstate and foreign shipment, the Justice Department announced.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Gold, which is emerging as an alternative to the dollar, gave up gains to trade flat at $3,385.00 per ounce.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 June 2025
  • No team is lining up to trade for a 35-year-old, undersized guard coming off an Achilles tear with $54 million owed next year.
    Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Similar to the family space, some are speculating that the horror marketplace may be over-saturated, led by the box office hit Final Destination: Bloodlines.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025
  • The point of this exercise was to see where Montreal fits in the marketplace.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Bourgault hasn’t come close to playing in the NHL and was dealt to Ottawa — along with Jake Chiasson — last summer for Roby Jarventie and a draft pick.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Streaming: Xfinity deals for streaming services are a great value.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Traffic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traffic. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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