chase 1 of 2

Definition of chasenext
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chase

2 of 2

noun

1
as in prey
an animal that is hunted or killed the gazelle is a favorite chase of lions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chase distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chase are follow, pursue, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When could follow be used to replace chase?

The words follow and chase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When is it sensible to use pursue instead of chase?

While the synonyms pursue and chase are close in meaning, pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When can trail be used instead of chase?

The synonyms trail and chase are sometimes interchangeable, but trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer
trailed a suspect across the country

How is the word chase distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chase are follow, pursue, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When could follow be used to replace chase?

The words follow and chase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When is it sensible to use pursue instead of chase?

While the synonyms pursue and chase are close in meaning, pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When can trail be used instead of chase?

The synonyms trail and chase are sometimes interchangeable, but trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer
trailed a suspect across the country

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 chase
Verb
With two outs, the Phillies put two runners on and chased reliever Robert Garcia. CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 Rather than just chasing maximum output, the company is positioning the Mix as a more rounded option – one that combines power with portability and convenience. New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
Paislie Allen followed with a two-run homer past the right field wall to extend A&M’s lead 5-2 and chase Kavan. Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026 Milwaukee police released another video that showed the officer's partner pursue the truck and provide updates over his radio on the state of the chase. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chase
Verb
  • Kyle is just outing herself as a gossip and is distorting what everyone has to say to try to one-up Dorit in her own life.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The public quickly turned on The Sun for effectively outing Edwards.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Effectively pursuing all four of these strategies at once, backed by good intelligence and cutting off supply from Iran, could make the war an easier affair than in 2024.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Twenty-nine state attorneys general are pursuing claims against Meta.
    John La Puma, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That verdict came after investigators in the state Justice Department went undercover to build a case arguing that Meta's platforms have become hunting grounds for child predators.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Kids can hunt for Easter eggs on both sides of the Potomac.
    Adele Chapin, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Families raced to the airport as divers searched the icy Potomac.
    Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But the pictures of Jane and Adam in her wallet in the safe triggered a wave of negative thoughts racing through my mind.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the video, the snake flicks its tongue, a common sensory behavior used to detect chemical cues in the air and identify nearby prey or potential predators.
    Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The same can’t be said about their prey.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The pursuit of perfection, in this case, is also tied to proximity to whiteness.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
  • That's also a new pursuit for Qualcomm.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Johnson dismissed the criticism.
    Jack Fink, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Red flags worth walking away from include dismissing symptoms without investigation, attributing everything to stress or anxiety, discouraging second opinions and making patients feel rushed.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meteor showers such as the Lyrids can be tracked yearly, because the debris flying through the night sky in fiery streaks is coming from the same comet.
    Hali Smith March 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Your phone already tracks this.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chase. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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