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

Supporters viewed the posts as an effort to alert vulnerable immigrant communities about federal enforcement activity, but some commenters who identified themselves as Aurora residents questioned whether tailing ICE agents was really the best use of the mayor’s time. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for tailing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tailing

Noun

While the researchers describe the lifestyles of Blue Zoners as simple but highly active, in general, a lot of their pursuits were cognitively based.

— Refractor, Refractor, 27 July 2026
Longevity cannot be positioned only as an elite pursuit for people who are already well.

— Billee Howard, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of pursuit

Verb

The company has built its reputation not by chasing the highest horsepower figures, but by delivering modest power and clever engineering at attainable prices.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
That injury has long healed — but Carapaz is still seemingly incapable of sitting in his saddle, permanently on his pedals and on the attack, chasing rivals, stages, and the polka-dot jersey.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of chasing

Noun

Both are Saudi-flagged, according to maritime tracking agency MarineTraffic.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
The stage will combine an LED volume wall, advanced camera tracking and real-time 3D engines to blend physical sets and actors with digital environments.

— Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of tracking

Verb

The country already spends one of the highest proportions of GDP on defence among NATO members and is simultaneously pursuing acquisitions such as F-35 fighter aircraft and new naval platforms to improve its overall military readiness.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
Diet culture doesn’t care about your health The flippant comments about this parasite belie the dominant belief that weight loss is inherently about pursuing health.

— Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of pursuing

Noun

Spain has not spent a single second trailing at this World Cup; Argentina has trailed for more than 100 minutes, including stoppage time.

— Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Compared with Spain’s near-flawless record, the reigning champions have spent 14 per cent of their tournament trailing, which is double the rate of their triumphant campaign in Qatar (seven per cent).

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of trailing

Verb

Lander then really made headlines when he was arrested by ICE agents while escorting (and trying to protect) a constituent in immigration court.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
The footage shows two troopers slowly escorting the driver through waist-deep water while a strong current rushes past them.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Definition of escorting

Noun

Contact tracing remains a challenge, with coverage of those exposed still at 67%.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
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

Definition of tracing

Verb

In the days following Maduro’s ouster, the UK’s then-Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK still did not recognize the Venezuelan government.

— German Padinger, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Los Angeles was the site of significant unrest following raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

— Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026