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

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
Why Skin Longevity Is Different Than Anti-Aging Skin longevity is the practice of slowing visible aging through habits and ingredients with strong scientific backing rather than chasing each new product. Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026 The sisters also allegedly chased the worker through the restaurant and threw items at her, including hot grease and pots and pans, Metro Detroit News reported. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Noun
Suspect fired at officers during a Wednesday chase Villarreal was being sought by police after a Wednesday shooting incident, officials said. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 What follows is a largely by-the-numbers chase movie, as our heroes attempt to outrun the villainous Wardex Corporation, led by Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). Ian Stokes, Space.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chase
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chase
Verb
  • And if they're caught rocking some flops in Cinque Terre, they won't just be outed as a fashion victim.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
  • Phil and Tony butt heads over a litany of issues, but one of the big hangups between the two of them in the first half of season six revolves around one of Tony's top earners, Vito Spatafore, being outed as a gay man.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • California Highway Patrol officers began pursuing a vehicle matching the suspect's description near Castaic Lake.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • The tree is said to have sheltered Robin Hood, the legendary 13th-century bandit who stole from the rich and gave to the poor and took refuge in the forest when being pursued by the sheriff of Nottingham.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Wild beavers went extinct in the UK around 400 years ago, as humans hunted them for their fur, meat and scent gland secretions, which have a musky, vanilla-like fragrance and were used as food flavoring and in perfumes.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
  • Unfortunately, jailbreaks don’t really fly under the radar, and the duo find themselves being hunted by the FBI.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Goalkeeper Tim Howard saved a seven-yard header by Rafik Saifi and threw the ball to the right side to Donovan, who raced up the field unmarked.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • The Royals raced to an early three-run lead, surrendered it and lost 8-7.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Adult caimans consume a wider variety of prey than younger animals, further increasing their ability to thrive in different habitats.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Magnificent Frigate-bird — Relentless defensively; hunts by chasing other birds and forcing them to drop their prey.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • After hours of driving around Los Angeles County, the California Highway Patrol successfully ended the pursuit with a PIT maneuver in Lancaster.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • More a sophisticated salon than sports bar, Champagne is doing the invigorating work for those in the pursuit of luxury and a hat trick that giant LED screens will be doing elsewhere.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The judge also dismissed a criminal charge related to possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine, according to Reuters and ABC News.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss all charges in the case, citing new video evidence.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Detectives later tracked him to Bullhead City, Arizona, with the help of facial recognition technology and arrested him in May.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • Storms will persist for a time overnight, generally tracking southeast.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chase.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chase. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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