Synonyms of pursue

pursue

verb

pər-ˈsü 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

2

as in to seek

to go in search of

urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• chase (down)
• hunt
• search (for or out)
• quest
• shop (for)
• look up
• forage (for)
• look for
• cast about (for)
• cast around (for)
• ferret (out)
• root (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• hide
• ignore
• neglect

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

Recent Examples of pursue

Uber and the Consumer Attorneys of California agreed to withdraw competing November ballot measures and pursue joint legislation limiting medical liens and tightening Uber driver background checks. —Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026

At the same time, the research team was clear that its findings are not a panacea — being diagnosed with a specific illness is often only an early step toward finding and then pursuing treatment options — and that LLMs are not meant to be used by consumers to treat or diagnose diseases. —Jared Perlo, NBC news, 18 June 2026

In addition to consulting on select strategic and special projects, Garner will also pursue independent projects. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 June 2026

All eight panelists contributed lively stories about how they got started in the business and what inspired them to pursue and sustain their careers. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 18 June 2026