Synonyms of track

track 1 of 3

noun

ˈtrak 

1

as in trail

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

a muddy track across the kitchen floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in path

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

there was still a faint track through the underbrush that indicated where the path used to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

3

as in route

the direction along which something or someone moves

I followed the track of the thief's eyes as he watched the woman put the money into her purse and walk away

Synonyms & Similar Words

• route
• path
• way
• trajectory
• course
• steps
• pathway
• line
• loop
• routeway
• descent
• circuit
• circle
• orbit
• arc
• flight path
• ascent

track

2 of 3

verb

1

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of

predators stealthily tracking their prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

2

as in to traverse

to make one's way through, across, or over

once upon a time, millions of buffalo tracked the wide open plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traverse
• cross
• follow
• navigate
• walk
• cover
• travel
• course
• pass (over)
• transit
• ride
• cut (across)
• proceed (along)
• go
• hike
• tread
• perambulate
• peregrinate
• run
• tramp
• traipse
• crisscross

trackless

3 of 3

adjective

as in pristine

not having been traveled over or through

the trackless desert is no place for unequipped, unprepared travelers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pristine
• pathless
• untrodden
• untraveled
• untraversed
• unexplored
• undiscovered
• virgin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• traveled
• crowded
• bustling
• busy
• trod
• teeming
• swarming
• thronging

Synonym Chooser

How is the word track distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and vestige are common synonyms of track. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When can trace be used instead of track?

In some situations, the words trace and track are roughly equivalent. However, trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

Where would vestige be a reasonable alternative to track?

While in some cases nearly identical to track, vestige applies to a tangible reminder such as a fragment or remnant of what is past and gone.

boulders that are vestiges of the last ice age

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of track

Noun

The first section of the line reopened as a heritage railway in 1992, and the 18-kilometer (11-mile) track was ready for travel in 2010. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

Twenty-five years ago this weekend, Junior returned to Daytona International Speedway six months after the track killed his father and won the Pepsi 400. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Verb

The proposal drew sharp criticism from Rob Quan, an organizer with Unrig LA, who spent much of the past year tracking the effort to rewrite the charter. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Weeth said bootleggers purchase fireworks from manufacturers in China and who, for a fee, package the fireworks in colorful branding, which are more difficult to track and often lack proper warnings. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Adjective

The tyranny of logistics offers mobile units of Finns, masters of these trackless forests, opportunities to halt, isolate and bleed enemy columns. — Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026

The annual winter holiday festival also features photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides and more. — Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Phrases Containing track

• inside track
• track (down)