business

noun

ˈbiz-nəs How to pronounce business (audio)
Definition of businessnext
1
as in patronage
transactions or economic support provided by customers only places that are equal opportunity employers will get my business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in firm
a commercial or industrial activity or organization most of the local businesses belong to the association

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in matter
something to be dealt with we have one piece of business remaining for today's meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in commerce
the buying and selling of goods especially on a large scale and between different places this bookstore is a place of business, not a free library, so please do your reading elsewhere

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5
as in role
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists plants going about the business of photosynthesis provide the Earth with a renewable source of oxygen

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6
as in area
a region of activity, knowledge, or influence if you want a medical malpractice lawyer, he's the best in the business

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7
as in job
a specific task with which a person or group is charged the interrogators demanded to know what business the suspect had in the restricted area at that time of night

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8
as in treachery
the act or fact of violating the trust or confidence of another the price for giving the drug lord the business was certain death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun business differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of business are calling, employment, métier, occupation, pursuit, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When is it sensible to use calling instead of business?

In some situations, the words calling and business are roughly equivalent. However, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When would employment be a good substitute for business?

The words employment and business can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

In what contexts can métier take the place of business?

Although the words métier and business have much in common, métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

When might occupation be a better fit than business?

The words occupation and business are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When can pursuit be used instead of business?

While the synonyms pursuit and business are close in meaning, pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

Where would work be a reasonable alternative to business?

The meanings of work and business largely overlap; however, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 business The resort started in 2012 as a living showroom for Dekeyser’s outdoor furniture business DEDON. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026 After 28 years at FOX News Channel, Cavuto, a business journalist at the network, decided to leave. —Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 Agile enterprises represent the vast majority of businesses globally. —Dennis Woodside, Fortune, 17 May 2026 Aircraft available reportedly include models such as the Boeing business jet, Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Challenger, Dassault Falcon and even Honda Jet. —Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for business
Recent Examples of Synonyms for business
  1. patronage
  2. firm
  3. matter
  4. commerce
  5. role
  6. area
  7. job
  8. treachery
Noun
  • The railroad did not acknowledge that their policy, not the lack of Black hunger, contributed to the low rate of Black patronage.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
  • The switch from French to Russian patronage came after coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, followed by two in Burkina Faso in 2022, then one in Niger in 2023.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
Definition of patronage
Noun
  • Three of the eight games had arena ads for prediction market firms — two for Polymarket and one for Kalshi.
    — Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Vietnam became one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs, attracting billions in foreign direct investment from both Western and Chinese firms.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Definition of firm
Noun
  • To make matters worse, Haliburton dealt with shingles during his recovery this season.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The Stanford-within-Stanford Baker exposes matters to you even if this exclusive core feels impossibly distant.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Commerce Gina Vaynshteyn and StyleCaster commerce editor Katie Decker-Jacoby, scour the internet for the best of the best to ensure readers walk away with items recommended by our team, industry experts, and more.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 20 May 2026
  • Boeing, which manufactures most of its commercial aircraft in Seattle, could receive additional orders from Chinese airlines in the future, a Washington state commerce official told CNBC on Tuesday.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Definition of commerce
Noun
  • Tyrique George, after a more prominent role at the beginning of the campaign, has spent his 2026 on loan at Everton and has featured consistently from the bench — but without scoring in his 10 league appearances.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The skilled staff have to wear more than one hat at this camp, everyone has multiple roles to play and multiple skill sets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Definition of role
Noun
  • The San Diego Police Department asked the public to avoid the area surrounding the Islamic Center of San Diego.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 May 2026
  • Guest rooms and suites with spacious living areas are both available, all of course equipped with the famous Four Seasons mattresses and linens that nearly guarantee a sound night’s sleep.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
Definition of area
Noun
  • Further declines in home prices would deepen the hit to household balance sheets, said Lizzi Lee, a fellow at Center for China Analysis, noting that the property downturn has already inflicted significant job losses across construction and related sectors.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • One candidate ran as a fervent booster, arguing that Atlantic Yards would bring jobs and housing to the area.
    — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • Upon learning of Ava’s treachery, Deborah HOWLS.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • Inflamed by Ratansen’s adviser’s account of Padmavati’s beauty, Alauddin Khalji storms the fortress by treachery rather than valor.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Definition of treachery

Phrases Containing business

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busily
business
businesses
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Cite this Entry

“Business.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/business. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of business for Spanish Speakers

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