What does "nafta" mean?
an agreement for free trade between the United States and Canada and Mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years
Nafta
/ˈnæftə/ name
name ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: an agreement for free trade between the United States and Canada and Mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years
- Grammar: nafta is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: north american free trade agreement, trilateral trade agreement.
- Useful contrasts: protectionism, tariff barriers.
- Usage evidence: But if intellectual property is to be addressed within NAFTA, it is critical that user rights are balanced alongside the extensive protections already granted to rights holders.
How to use "nafta"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nafta" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nafta" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nafta" is acting as name in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "north american free trade agreement" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "nafta", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 an agreement for free trade between the United States and Canada and Mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Acronym of North American Free Trade Agreement abbreviation, acronym, alt-of
"But given the size of the three countries’ economies, and the fact that NAFTA already eliminated most tariffs and trade barriers between them, “the impact of the agreement on the US economy is likely to be moderate,” the ITC report said."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of NAFTA (“North American Free Trade Agreement”). UK, alt-of
"Lance Fritz, the president and C.E.O. of Union Pacific Railroad, said pulling out of Nafta would harm trade, which would in turn weigh on his business."
Synonyms
All synonyms north american free trade agreementtrilateral trade agreement
Antonyms
protectionismtariff barriers
Example
"But if intellectual property is to be addressed within NAFTA, it is critical that user rights are balanced alongside the extensive protections already granted to rights holders."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nafta"?
Common synonyms include: north american free trade agreement, trilateral trade agreement.
How do you use "nafta" in a sentence?
But if intellectual property is to be addressed within NAFTA, it is critical that user rights are balanced alongside the extensive protections already granted to rights holders.
How do you pronounce "nafta"?
Pronounced /ˈnæftə/.
Etymology
From the acronym NAFTA, used in British press, not used in North America.