traffic 1 of 2

noun

ˈtra-fik How to pronounce traffic (audio)
Definition of trafficnext
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

as in to trade
to carry on the business of buying and selling goods or other property arrested him for trafficking in drugs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
About 4% of the world’s maritime trade and more than 40% of US container traffic traverses the canal. — Juliana Liu, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 The traffic alert was reported Sunday at 8:26 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Sunday at 9:03 p.m. — Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Super 'El Jefe' pistol: Weapons made and marketed to appeal to cartels Hundreds of thousands of weapons − made by the manufacturers Mexico is suing − are trafficked annually over the border. — Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025 But there are echoes that are worth exploring as Trump veers down a path typically trafficked by developing nations with poor ratings on the global corruption tables. — William Pesek, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for traffic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traffic
  1. commerce
  2. trade
  3. marketplace
  4. deal
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
Verb
  • With Thatcher Demko still injured, Quinn Hughes still hobbled, Pettersson still finding his game, J.T. Miller traded and on and on it goes, losing one of the club’s last reliable line drivers could have been a bridge too far.
    — Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Russia and Ukraine continued to trade strikes overnight after Trump's conversation with Putin.
    — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of trade
Noun
  • To truly bring value, B2B marketplaces need to not only make new introductions, but need to build long-term partnerships that fuel business growth for both brands and retailers.
    — Fairchild Studio, WWD, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Less than a year after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed legislation that would overhaul Florida’s hemp marketplace, Florida senators are trying again.
    — Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of marketplace
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on traffic

Nglish: Translation of traffic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about traffic

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