TAILING Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

tailing 1 of 2

noun

ˈtā-liŋ

Definition of tailing

as in pursuit

the act of going after or in the tracks of another the reporter's constant tailing of the candidate resulted in an exclusive scoop

Synonyms & Similar Words

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tailing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of tail

as in chasing

to go after or on the track of detectives tailed the suspect to see where he was going at that time of the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tailing

Noun

Residents haven’t forgotten the mine tailings or the multiple government investigations into Hayden’s air and soil. — Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 27 Apr. 2026 After all, Zinc, phosphate, and even coal mines all over the globe have abundant rare earth elements in their tailings that are comparable to low-grade conventional deposits. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 21 Apr. 2026

Verb

The colt entered the race with 8-1 morning odds and was tailing the favorite, Taj Mahal, at the beginning of the race before eventually pulling ahead. — CBS News, 16 May 2026 Several vehicles, including one with the company logo, started tailing a CNN crew that drove along a public road in front of the facility, attempting to block the team’s ability to film, even out the window. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tailing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailing

Noun

The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
In addition to its ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, the Heat also would like to add another veteran shooter and another veteran big man but might begin the season with only 14 under contract.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Definition of pursuit

Verb

Most are from blacktip sharks, animals about six feet long that bite not out of hunger but confusion, in murky water, chasing baitfish and usually mistaking a swimmer’s foot for prey.

— Kate Waxman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026
Spain chasing defensive history Spain is chasing history as well.

— Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of chasing

Noun

Pérez leaned heavily on his sinker to escape that jam, throwing it more often than his four-seam fastball during the inning, according to Baseball Savant’s pitch tracking.

— Tyler M. Carmona July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
The L3Harris satellites would support the tracking portion of this broader architecture by providing data on advanced missile threats from orbit.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Definition of tracking

Verb

In addition to pursuing a business degree from one of the top schools in the country, the former America’s Next Top Model enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in 2016, but for far more personal reasons.

— Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Such outlets may become wary of pursuing stories that could put them in the Administration’s crosshairs.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

Definition of pursuing

Noun

Later, Gabriel tore Haaland’s shirt, the light-blue fabric trailing in the breeze as the pair chased a loose ball.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
The graceful trailing stems and showy flowers of climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) look beautiful growing on pergolas and fences.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026

Definition of trailing

Verb

Mourners holding portraits of the late supreme leader welcomed the body and senior officials escorting it, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Federal rules require airlines to provide help to passengers with disabilities, including escorting them through airports and assisting during delays or cancellations.

— Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of escorting

Noun

Last year, along with UNICEF, Haiti launched a program known as PREJEUNES to provide children released from armed gangs with specialized protection services, including psychosocial support, education, family tracing and reunification.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
The series' first PC release adds ray tracing, ultra-widescreen support, and crossplay, and early players have flagged the port as surprisingly well optimized.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of tracing

Verb

But 12 minutes later, following a hand ball call against Sporting, Eduard Lowen put a go-ahead penalty kick into the right side of the net.

— The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
Officials finally directed her to a port facility that had been turned into an emergency morgue after countless bodies were unearthed from the rubble in the days following the earthquake.

— Susana Erazo, CNN Money, 17 July 2026