PURSUE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pursue

verb

pər-ˈsü

Definition of pursue next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Leaders should also set an example by prioritizing their own learning and encouraging employees to pursue growth opportunities that align with company goals. —

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Like all of Eastwood's children, Francesca followed her father's example and has pursued a career in entertainment. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 4 Dec. 2024 The criminal case was already on hold before the election as Trump pursued an effort at the appeals court to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis because of her romantic relationship with a prosecutor on her team. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024 Long absent from the scene while group members pursued other projects, Alison Krauss & Union Station will reunite in 2025 for a 73-show North American tour and a new album. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pursue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue

Verb

Though Frontier is trying to chase higher-end customers amid a period of difficulty for low-fare airlines, the company still makes a lot of its money from fees for things like snacks and seat assignments.

Melvin Backman, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
Rather than chasing short-term trends, setting goals that encourage innovative, brand-building campaigns fosters sustainable growth.

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024