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.

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

This helps improve search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic. —

Ran Ronen, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 President Donald Trump has promised to work with Congress to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety infrastructure used by air traffic controllers that has long needed upgrades. —

Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2025

Verb

Hong Kong recently sent a task force to Thailand to follow-up on 12 cases of Hong Kongers trafficked into Southeast Asian countries and forced into labor. —

Chloe Berger, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2025 The lawsuit also referenced a 2023 incident in which musician David Ryan Harris, who is Black, was stopped on the jetway by an American Airlines employee and police officers in Atlanta and accused of trafficking his own kids, who are biracial. —

Liam Quinn, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for traffic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for traffic

Noun

The Joe Biden administration had reportedly rebuffed India’s interest in exploring a free trade agreement, Indian local media reported, citing the country’s commerce and industry minister.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
The second concern is that Musk has talked about wanting his X company to be a commerce and payments platform, and his access to CFPB's records would provide him a competitive advantage.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025