trade 1 of 2

1
as in exchange
a giving or taking of one thing of value in return for another when the other team unexpectedly offered to hand over its top pitcher for our star shortstop, our coach agreed to the trade

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2
as in craft
an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands a youth eager to learn the trade of cabinetmaking

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3
4
as in commerce
the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places a bill regulating trade with that country

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5
as in sale
the transfer of ownership of something from one person to another for a price the trade of all of her holdings in the company just before the stock plunged in value immediately aroused suspicions

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trade

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trade distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of trade are business, commerce, industry, and traffic. While all these words mean "activity concerned with the supplying and distribution of commodities," commerce and trade imply the exchange and transportation of commodities.

In what contexts can business take the place of trade?

The words business and trade can be used in similar contexts, but 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.

When could industry be used to replace trade?

The words industry and trade 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.

When can traffic be used instead of trade?

While in some cases nearly identical to trade, 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 trade
Noun
Getting a better infielder before next month’s trade deadline should be a priority for the Yankees. Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 June 2025 Notably, Lionsgate often makes the trade of recouping some production costs via foreign pre-sales, which helps limit its financial exposure while putting a lower ceiling on profit upside. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 June 2025
Verb
As for Chicago, the Sky haven't taken much of a leap forward this year despite trading the No. 3 pick to the Mystics in a win-now move to acquire Ariel Atkins. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 Tesla trades at 150 times profit estimates, a steep premium to other Big Tech stocks such as Nvidia. Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade
Noun
  • Under a 2015 nuclear deal struck by President Barack Obama, Iran agreed to drastically limit its number of centrifuges and cap uranium enrichment at levels far below those required to make weapons, in exchange for sanctions relief.
    Katie Polglase, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
  • Abrego Garcia's attorneys ask judge for sanctions against Trump administration Federal prosecutors say the conspiracy involved the domestic transport of thousands of noncitizens from Mexico and Central America, including some children, in exchange for thousands of dollars.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • From event planning to personalized arts and crafts, creative businesses provide what AI cannot, combining emotional connection, hands-on work, and local demand.
    Rebekah Bastian, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Drawing from historical references and traditional craft, Gibson honors the legacy of Native makers while confronting ongoing systems of oppression.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The profession requires nuanced assessment, relationship-building, and constant intervention adjustment that AI simply cannot replicate.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • With the show, the verité filmmaker aims to uncover the human element of this high-gloss profession.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The analyst projected a $50 billion gross merchandise value, or GMV, opportunity for agentic commerce by 2030, with roughly 30% growth annually between now and then.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • Best Shake Alternative: Chobani Complete Protein Mixed Berry Vanilla Yogurt Drink SELF’s commerce writer, Jessica Kasparian, was pleasantly surprised by how tasty this Greek yogurt drink was.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Grab it on sale for just $15 now, and consider stocking up on refills to get you through the rest of the summer.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • By May 2011, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game had taken over management of wolves in Idaho, and put wolf hunting tags up for sale.
    Clark Corbin, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • After his release from jail, Fafara tried several jobs but eventually returned to dealing drugs.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • To comply with those rules, any provision needs to deal primarily with the federal budget and not government policy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • More prisoners were swapped Monday in a staggered process taking place over coming days, Zelensky and the Russian Defense Ministry announced, though neither side said how many.
    Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The flavor mingles well with the typical ingredients of mayonnaise and mustard, but if your recipe already contains vinegar, consider swapping it out for pickle juice instead.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement But dishonesty of this nature does not yield good art—at least, not truthful art.
    Esther Lin, Time, 12 June 2025
  • Bojack producer Lisa Hanawalt is the supervising producer and designed the series’ original art.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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