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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to seek
to go in search of urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 pursue Indeed, Trump’s own camp appears to be starkly divided on whether to pursue direct strikes against Iran. Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 However, all of them may look to pursue other options with Santana throwing punches at fans. Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 The cases remain in the initial stages of investigation, with no certainty that any criminal charges will be pursued. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 9 June 2025 And, to be clear, there are some people who use protests like the ones against Trump’s immigration raids as a cover and excuse to pursue an extraneous agenda of violence and anarchy. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pursue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue
Verb
  • Much like the rest of the lineup, Lindor is also chasing pitches outside of the zone.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
  • Until a pack of infected come upon him, chasing him down a winding country road.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Finally, the city has been seeking more revenue by renegotiating leases on public property and facilities that Gloria said had provided an inadequate return.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Analysis of data from NASA's Land Data operation Products Evaluation, which tracks research satellite maneuvers, reveals at least seven occasions where NASA’s Terra and Aqua climate satellites lost data while having to avoid space debris.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • His name was not immediately disclosed as cops track down family members.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • After going down 3-1 in the bottom of the second, Lindor hit the first of the trio of third-inning homers, with Nimmo and Soto following suit to put the Mets back on top, 4-3.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • Safety Tips for Marinating Meat To keep marinated meat safe and prevent foodborne illness, follow these safety guidelines: Always refrigerate: Store marinating meat in the refrigerator.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • This attack on the secular ideals of the Indian constitution has also been accompanied by rising authoritarianism.
    ASHLEY J. TELLIS, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
  • The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog published by Italian publishing house Silvana Editoriale and includes numerous unpublished items from the ’40s and ’50s by directors and sound artists, such as Romolo Marcellini and Roman Vlad.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pursue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pursue. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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