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
• trail
• dog
• tail
• seek
• run after
• run
• watch
• tag
• shadow
• hound
• hunt
• bird-dog
• observe
• eye
• search (for)
• chaperon
• 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

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