Synonyms of pursue

pursue

verb

pər-ˈsü 

1

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of

the policeman doggedly pursued the pickpocket through the crowded subway station

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chase
• track
• follow
• accompany
• escort
• course
• trace
• trail
• dog
• tail
• seek
• run after
• run
• watch
• tag
• shadow
• hound
• hunt
• bird-dog
• observe
• eye
• search (for)
• chaperon
• chaperone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

2

as in to seek

to go in search of

urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• chase (down)
• hunt
• search (for or out)
• quest
• shop (for)
• look up
• forage (for)
• look for
• cast about (for)
• cast around (for)
• ferret (out)
• root (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• hide
• ignore
• neglect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pursue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pursue are chase, follow, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When might chase be a better fit than pursue?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursue, chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When is it sensible to use follow instead of pursue?

The synonyms follow and pursue are sometimes interchangeable, but follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When would trail be a good substitute for pursue?

In some situations, the words trail and pursue are roughly equivalent. However, trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pursue

Instead, Nicole Westmoreland emotionally highlighted positive ways Diddy impacted the community and inspired others to pursue their dreams. —Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The 30-year-old, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, announced in August that applications were open for the Leading Vibe Initiative, a training program made up of workshops, resources, and mentorship for women aged 18 to 35 who want to pursue a career in the music industry. —Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The administration had pushed him to aggressively pursue the case. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025

When the fan and Kitty meet, Kitty tells her to avoid pursuing this career. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025