TRAFFIC Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: How are the words 'commerce' and 'trade' related as synonyms of 'traffic'?

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

Q: 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.

traffic 1 of 2

noun

ˈtra-fik

Definition of traffic next

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.

Examples 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

That means Denver's traffic is moving much closer to its pre-pandemic norms. —

John Frank, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025 With the exception of westbound traffic on 42nd St. and 23rd St., crosstown traffic times fell between 6% and 36%. —

Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025

Verb

Trending Nationally Massachusetts man who was sentenced for trafficking oxycodone is on Biden’s clemency list Luigi Mangione’s arrest thrust his family into the spotlight. —

The Denver Post, 15 Dec. 2024 The successful global operation saw hundreds of tortoises and lemurs returned to Madagascar and arrests made for trafficking the wildlife. —

Simon Perry, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for traffic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for traffic

Noun

Jesus drove the money changers from the Temple, condemning the blending of commerce and worship, and yet Trump is reportedly charging up to $200,000 for political donors to pray with him.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
New York billionaire Howard Lutnick helped raise millions for Trump's campaign and will serve as commerce secretary.

— Jeremy Yurow, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025