path

noun

ˈpath How to pronounce path (audio)
Definition of pathnext
1
as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves try to stay out of the path of the golf balls while playing I tripped over a rock directly in my path

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2
as in trail
a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps a path worn through the library lawn by too many people walking over it

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3
as in road
an established course for traveling from one place to another the path along which ancient traders traveled from Europe to China was known as the Silk Road

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 path But a path still exists for AI to repair some of the public’s lost physical connectivity with the world outside their phones, and to recapture some of the gratification lost from that era. — Ian Bogost, Time, 18 Aug. 2026 As deadly firestorms raged in Los Angeles County, carving a path of destruction that displaced families and killed 31 people, bets online were rolling in. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Academic Medicine’s Place in the Process The path from a mere observation to a real change in patient care involves basic researchers, clinical investigators, academic health centers, regulatory bodies, and the patients who participate in trials. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Online shoppers often begin with a search term and follow a relatively narrow path. — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for path
Recent Examples of Synonyms for path
  1. route
  2. trail
  3. road
  4. way
  5. pathway
  6. approach
  7. trajectory
  8. footpath
Noun
  • The other four switched off their tracking transponders to avoid detection so their route is unknown.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Quarterback Tommy DeVito looked to him on a go route on the very next play, but Williams didn’t cut back inside for the ball, which appeared to frustrate Vrabel on the sideline.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of route
Noun
  • Wings coach Jose Fernandez said Fudd is probably ahead of the others on the comeback trail.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The convenient location means a better chance of beating the crowds at the trails or in town.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of trail
Noun
  • This is a sophisticated, adaptive, three-chamber air suspension system that continuously adjusts to road topography and driving style.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Parts of the road broke off and some were evacuated from their homes.
    — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of road
Noun
  • Abbott has previously said data centers should not be built in rural Texas neighborhoods and that developers must pay their own way and provide their own water and power.
    — Jack Fink, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • If successful, the approach could give exploration teams another way to narrow down promising areas before bringing in drilling equipment.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • Accessibility Because the property is spread across historic adobe buildings with uneven pathways, stairs, and narrow passages, accessibility can vary significantly by room category.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Existing reactors get new fuel The technical pathway now brings together fuel fabrication, reactor hardware, irradiation testing and independent review.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of pathway
Noun
  • Bessent described a two-pronged approach featuring financial pressure and a physical blockade of Islamic republic's ports.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In a special Open Thoughts podcast held in Korea, where YoungBoy now lives, host Funny Marco (known for his deadpan approach) asked if there was ever a time during his early performances that the artist felt like pulling back.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of approach
Noun
  • But the upward trajectory will surely end soon, and as teams become more familiar with the various routines, the specialist coaches must start to earn their money in the defensive penalty area.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Redgrift and Forest’s ascent through the gallery’s ranks often followed parallel trajectories, and both were promoted following an earlier restructuring in 2021.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • The Sconset Bluff Walk is a popular scenic footpath near yards of private cottages.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The vehicle crashed into the crowd in Tiergarten Park, according to law enforcement, an area along a footpath within the park and near to the parade's end.
    — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 July 2026
Definition of footpath

Phrases Containing path

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pates
path
pathbreaking
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Cite this Entry

“Path.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/path. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on path

Nglish: Translation of path for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about path

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