Synonyms of pursuit

pursuit

noun

pər-ˈsüt 

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

• tracking
• tracing
• chasing
• pursuing
• chase
• search
• trailing
• tailing
• shadowing
• tagging
• following
• hounding
• dogging
• hot pursuit
• track
• path
• trail
• seeking
• tagging along

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

• hobby
• sport
• recreation
• avocation
• amusement
• entertainment
• hobbyhorse
• pastime
• relaxation
• diversion
• distraction

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

Recent Examples of pursuit

The investigation and the pursuit of justice After the fire, an extensive public investigation was launched. —Time, 20 June 2025

Fear of challenging leadership outweighed the pursuit of truth. —Oscar Chavez-Arrieta, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Beyond the allegation that ONE, in the pursuit of profit, illegally gave up space that should have been assigned to QVC and Cornerstone, the companies also alleged that the freight company charged unjust demurrage and detention fees. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025

The pursuit of a ring almost broke the late Jerry West, one of the greatest players of all time. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 20 June 2025