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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of tailing
Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2026
In Zambia, a Chinese mining company spilled toxic tailings into waterways.
—Nicholas Kusnetz, Wired News, 27 Dec. 2025
Rob Ledonne, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
During a night commute, the video shows the Tesla tailing an SUV in front of it at a reasonable enough distance.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tailing
Noun
Why the Boundary Waters Mine Is a Bad Trade
Twin Metals skeptics also question where the copper would be processed, and how the millions of tons of mine tailings would be stored safely.
—Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 Jan. 2026
In Zambia, a Chinese mining company spilled toxic tailings into waterways.
—Nicholas Kusnetz, Wired News, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
Biles and Owens were only living in their brand new Houston, Texas-area home for a day and a half before high-tailing it to Milan.
—Rob Ledonne, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
During a night commute, the video shows the Tesla tailing an SUV in front of it at a reasonable enough distance.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tailing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailing
Noun
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Beyond the question of criminal referrals, the commission’s report urged DHS to restrict certain ICE and Customs and Border Protection practices, including the use of chemical agents, physical force and vehicle pursuits during civil immigration enforcement.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Tillis, speaking to The Washington Post after the Comey charges were announced, sounded skeptical about the case and seemed to directly link a confirmation vote for Boyle to the pursuit of actual crime.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That makes their key players especially appealing for managers chasing rank or mini-league glory.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
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The book's main character — Cheese — was inspired by her real-life rescue dog, who was known for chasing squirrels and bringing energy into her life.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Noun
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After arriving in the Air Force’s care in May 2025, the plane was taken apart to ensure there were no listening or tracking devices hidden inside, a major concern of critics who objected to the gifted aircraft on security grounds.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
2 May 2026
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Since 2021, the Tlingit couple has led small-group bear tracking excursions through Wilderness Island Tours, offering guests a deeper, more meaningful experience.—
Debbie Olsen,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
Verb
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More recently, nearby Shasta County has become a hotbed of election denialism and MAGA politics, with its Board of Supervisors voting in 2023 to end the use of Dominion Voting Systems machines in favor of pursuing a hand-counting system.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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If financial barriers prevent students from pursuing advanced creative education, the long-term consequences will be felt in studios, and design firms across the state.—
Lola W. Brabham,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
Noun
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The investigation revealed a large amount of blood located at the residence where Limon and Abugharbieh lived with a third roommate, per the affidavit, which alleged investigators found blood trailing from the entry of the apartment, through the kitchen, to Abugharbieh's room.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
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He was lifted after that, having thrown 82 pitches and with the Padres trailing by two runs.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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According to the affidavit, Alvarez-Budow followed the student into the hallway and placed green painter's tape over his mouth before escorting him back into the classroom in front of other students.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
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Those missions – called Operation Earnest Will – involved several US vessels escorting a convoy of just a few tankers.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
Noun
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Curated by Our Editors Ultimately, public health workers got control of the outbreak through testing, contact tracing, isolating of sick and exposed individuals and vaccination.—
Tanya Lewis,
Scientific American,
29 Apr. 2026
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While similar tracing has been a part of golf and tennis coverage for years, the thinness and speed of fencing blades required special know-how to digitally follow.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Gloria said her ex-boyfriend had been following and harassing her.—
Paul LaRosa,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
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The Powerball jackpot has reset to $20 million, or $9 million in cash, ahead of the May 2 drawing following a $143 million win on Wednesday, April 29.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tailing. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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