Synonyms of trail

trail 1 of 2

noun

1

as in path

a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps

took a trail through the woods to get to the main road

Synonyms & Similar Words

• path
• footpath
• pathway
• track
• road
• walkway
• trace
• route
• street
• passageway
• roadway
• alley
• thoroughfare
• alleyway
• lane
• towpath
• bridle path
• shortcut
• byway
• run
• cutoff
• pass
• runway
• passage
• bypath
• row
• byroad
• bystreet

2

as in track

a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it

the slugs left a slimy trail on the sidewalk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• track
• trace
• path
• footprint
• residue
• sign
• residual
• imprint
• footstep
• tread
• reminder
• evidence
• scent
• rut
• step
• shadow
• remnant
• print
• artifact
• indication
• remainder
• leavings
• clue
• spoor
• hoofprint
• pug
• token
• footmark
• lead
• telltale
• cue
• vestige
• inkling
• relic
• suggestion
• hint
• intimation
• whiff
• remain(s)

trail

2 of 2

verb

ˈtrāl 

as in to track

to go after or on the track of

we trailed our friend into the woods, inadvertently spoiling his plans for a solitary hike

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trail distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of trail are chase, follow, and pursue. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

When would chase be a good substitute for trail?

While in some cases nearly identical to trail, 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 trail?

The meanings of follow and trail largely overlap; however, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

Where would pursue be a reasonable alternative to trail?

The words pursue and trail can be used in similar contexts, but pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trail

Noun

Over club sandwiches and some very good margaritas, Mikkelsen described Anza-Borrego as an under-the-radar oasis that’s known among devotees for its wildflower blooms and hiking trails, as well as its golden eagles and herds of bighorn sheep. —Rosecrans Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025

In November 1957, Worden’s son went to visit her store and found a trail of blood leading out the back door. —Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

Verb

In the June Democratic primary, Mamdani trailed Cuomo for much of the race. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025

This time the moon will be a waning gibbous (86% sunlit), so stars belonging to the Pleiades cluster will disappear behind its bright limb and reappear behind the thin crescent of darkness on the moon's trailing side. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025