1
as in tracking
the act of going after or in the tracks of another the cat ran down the street with a pair of dogs in pursuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure a workaholic with few pursuits outside of the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pursuit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pursuit are business, calling, employment, métier, occupation, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When is business a more appropriate choice than pursuit?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursuit, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When might calling be a better fit than pursuit?

The meanings of calling and pursuit largely overlap; however, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When is it sensible to use employment instead of pursuit?

The words employment and pursuit can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When would métier be a good substitute for pursuit?

The synonyms métier and pursuit are sometimes interchangeable, but métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

In what contexts can occupation take the place of pursuit?

While the synonyms occupation and pursuit are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When can work be used instead of pursuit?

Although the words work and pursuit have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 pursuit And considering the varied richness of his pursuits, there may be no better motto. Jazmine Hughes, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025 This is a candid memoir of vulnerability and courage, humility and purpose, mistakes and learning—a singular tale of the trials, tribulations, and hope to be found in a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025 The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle headed toward Interstate 81, prompting a police pursuit. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025 The pursuit of sustainable materials is a journey that requires time, dedication and innovation. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pursuit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursuit
Noun
  • According to aircraft tracking service FlightRadar24, the Airbus H130 helicopter operated as Reach 5 had taken off from the roof of UC Davis Medical Center just minutes before the crash.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • It's powered by the fast and efficient S10 chip and boasts tons of health, fitness, and lifestyle features, including GPS workout recording, an ECG, sleep and cycle tracking, music, podcasts, and support for third-party apps.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For decades, unflattering stereotypes of gamers as lethargic young men engaging in an isolating hobby have persevered in popular culture.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Thawatchai, the food vendor who owns Tod, said raising the buffalo for competition was only a hobby.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The extra graphical features of this re-release (including ray tracing) help sell the 'haunted house' feeling of an empty colony at the center of constant storms.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Burrage led the efforts at Tuba City’s hospital by organizing a comprehensive response, including data collection, contact tracing, community outreach, disease surveillance, testing, vaccination campaigns and staff training.
    Suzette Brewer, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Together, their 33-piece collection is an expression of two Sohos, built around ideas of Americana, prep, and sport but anchored in traditional British flair; in short, the perfect fall capsule.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
  • But music has underscored the former Bronx Bomber’s journey from the beginning, its duet with sport carrying him to serious success in two disciplines that seem impossible to align.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While Texas Tech has emerged as the clear favorite to win the conference (-120 odds on BetMGM), the chasing pack is still a jumbled mess.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Nearby Juno Beach is home the famous Juno Beach Pier, a 990-foot boardwalk that’s a popular spot for fishing and sunset chasing.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • He would be allowed out for recreation, which may or may not be outside.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Visitors are reminded to practice responsible recreation in forest areas.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My vocation as a writer and editor and my avocation as a gardener and composter go hand in hand.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Retired from her long vocation as a research chemist, Schafer, at 81, remains on the job with her avocations.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • During a chase scene between Eve, Ares, and Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), various life-size Dillinger lightcycles were created for the actors to ride on, alongside proxy motorcycles.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The boy stopped the chase after the child tripped, the other boy told deputies, according to the sheriff’s office.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pursuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pursuit. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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