trade 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrād How to pronounce trade (audio)
Definition of tradenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in profession
the activity by which one regularly makes a living writing is my trade

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

trade

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to deal
to carry on the business of buying and selling goods or other property the U.S. agreed to trade with China

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return I'll trade my chocolate chip cookie for your bag of chips

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
The Bruins’ need for young talent is one reason Sweeney cut so deep before the trade deadline. — Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025 The Bengals are also hoping to reach an extension with Trey Hendrickson despite the All-Pro edge rusher receiving permission to seek a trade. — Joe Reedy, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
Goldman Sachs upgraded Ralph Lauren to buy from neutral earlier Tuesday, saying that shares are trading at an attractive entry point after a recent sell-off. — Pia Singh, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025 The dispute stems from last year’s feud wherein Drake and Lamar traded increasingly personal and unverified insults in a series of songs. — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trade
  1. exchange
  2. craft
  3. profession
  4. commerce
  5. sale
  6. deal
  7. swap
  8. art
Noun
  • In a span of three days, the Seattle Seahawks agreed to trade their Pro Bowl quarterback and wide receiver in exchange for a pair of Day 2 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    — Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The only purpose of money is its perception as a reasonably stable measure of value that facilitates the exchange of actual wealth, but as the biggest bitcoin proponents tell us repeatedly, their coin is only going up since its supply is limited.
    — John Tamny, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of exchange
Noun
  • The program will feature Theaster Gates, the American interdisciplinary artist known for his social practice, who will explore inequalities by looking at lost and rediscovered crafts.
    — Nargess Banks, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The businesswoman isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, indulging in every aspect of the craft, but says her favorite part of the process is probably planning and laying everything out.
    — Hedy Phillips, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of craft
Noun
  • This profession provides a career that can support a family for a lifetime.
    — Ryan Dohrn, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In a world where so many are facing daily struggles in their lives, the theme speaks to the core of our profession: the need to transform compassion into tangible action and produce positive, lasting results.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of profession
Noun
  • Social commerce is surging, with platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Checkout redefining how consumers discover and purchase products.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Glamour’s senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle like to apply this ointment on her hands and lips.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of commerce
Noun
  • The game is a hit with players and critics alike, receiving positive reviews and massive sales.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Best Wayfair Patio Furniture Deals Wayfair has tons of outdoor furniture on sale during its Spring Cyber Week.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of sale
Verb
  • General Kellogg, a Highly Respected Military Expert, will deal directly with President Zelenskyy, and Ukrainian leadership.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • These big tech company stocks stood there no matter what kind of shellacking the futures dealt us.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of deal
Verb
  • Of course, upsets occur regularly, so while these games bring value in swapping out the market odds to +4000, nothing is a lock.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • What To Do Users are saying that swapping the device for another iPhone 16e didn’t solve the problem and nor did a factory reset.
    — David Phelan, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of swap
Noun
  • March 23, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. New York’s only all-classical music station WQXR (105.9 FM) returns to Brooklyn Children’s Museum for a day of performances, dance workshops, arts and crafts and more.
    — Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The categories are painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, photography, digital art and video/animation.
    — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of art

Phrases Containing trade

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Cite this Entry

“Trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trade. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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