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
The hope is that understanding these traffic-control enzymes could eventually lead to safe, reversible birth control options for both men and women. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025 The autonomous vehicle partnership follows the launch of Musk’s Boring Company plans to build an underground tunnel from downtown Nashville to Nashville International Airport to alleviate traffic. Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Time will tell what comes of the appeal, which is just the latest chapter in a chaotic, almost two-year period since Cassie first filed her rape and trafficking lawsuit against Diddy in November 2023. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Hollywood has been trafficking in remakes for well over a century, swapping out casts and repackaging stories for each generation. George Yang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for traffic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traffic
Noun
  • Walmart isn’t the only major company moving in on agentic commerce.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Global commerce has been under strain this year as companies grapple with a flurry of on-again, off-again trade policies; the new port fees will likely make shipping rates more volatile, analysts said.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Atlanta Hawks traded for Kristaps Porziņģis, a former All-Star who is too accomplished to fit into this category.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Additionally, Dunkin's classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry frosted donuts are trading their usual sprinkles for a festive chocolate-and-orange blend this season.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Thrift stores, online marketplaces and swap meets are just some of the ways shoppers are finding jaw-dropping bargains, nostalgia hits, and even things with a sad backstory.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement Advancing not stifling creativity Kakul Srivastava, CEO of music-sample marketplace Splice, delivered the next toast, which honored human creativity and emphasized the importance of technology that enables rather than restricts it.
    Zoe Corbyn, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This comes after Hamas and Israel have exchanged surviving hostages and prisoners in the first phase of a ceasefire deal for the war in Gaza.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The theft dealt a significant operational and financial blow and the company shuttered operations in mid-2025.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Traffic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traffic. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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