What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dealer
Example
The car dealer offered me a good price for my old car. [dealer: noun]
Example
He's a dealer in rare books and manuscripts. [dealer: noun]
Example
The police arrested the drug dealer for possession and distribution. [dealer: noun]
merchant
Example
The local merchant sold fresh produce and handmade crafts. [merchant: noun]
Example
The city was a hub for merchants from all over the world. [merchant: noun]
Example
He was a shrewd merchant who knew how to negotiate deals. [merchant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Merchant is more commonly used than dealer in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Dealer is more commonly associated with specific industries, such as car dealerships or drug dealers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dealer and merchant?
Merchant is generally considered more formal than dealer, as it is often used in business and trade contexts. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
