trace 1 of 2

Definition of tracenext
1
2
3
4
5
6
as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something there didn't seem to be so much as a trace of the truth to anything he said

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

7
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot followed the traces of the deer into the deep woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trace distinct from other similar nouns?

The words track and vestige are common synonyms of trace. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

When could track be used to replace trace?

The synonyms track and trace are sometimes interchangeable, but track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When might vestige be a better fit than trace?

The words vestige and trace can be used in similar contexts, but vestige applies to a tangible reminder such as a fragment or remnant of what is past and gone.

boulders that are vestiges of the last ice age

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 trace
Verb
The Sacramento Bee profiles trace each candidate’s path to the race — from a Sacramento high school poker table to an idealistic Silicon Valley startup. — Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026 In six episodes, Cunk traces the history of the moving image and its impact on society and culture. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
At the same time, the organization conceded that traces of unintentional PFAS contamination are treated differently from intentional use. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026 The possibility that any trace of the original building blocks could still be found was long considered to be dubious at best. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Independent scrutiny remains PSI said David Turturean led the work, developing the research system, defining the problem and running the process.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Mintel’s 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions name it a defining macro trend as consumers burn out on product overload.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • On Friday, as major Asian markets tracked a sell-off on Wall Street overnight, India's benchmark indexes bucked the trend to trade higher.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The feature can also generate weekly spending charts, payment calendars and custom dashboards based on the financial information users want to track.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • By automating the cadence and gear changes, Honda is catering to novices who don't want to think about gear selection or power management on the trail.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The novels follow Cammie Skoura, a brilliant, neurodivergent young scientist aboard a deep-space expedition that uncovers a trail of ancient ruins and long-dead alien civilizations leading toward a mind-shattering discovery.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The road will be closed until further notice, county officials said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But the move left Angel City playing a home game on the road in an effort to avoid the road and play at home in the playoffs.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Ben’s view Hoffman, who sometimes works from a small swivel chair in her children’s room, has followed a path from social video into the center of the swirling news cycles of true crime and celebrity.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • For Cascadia operators, the new Cross Traffic Assist is designed to detect vehicles crossing the truck's forward path at intersections.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And around the world, wars and religious persecution have destroyed prayer books, Bibles, Qurans, Torah scrolls, statues, iconography, shrines, relics and many other materials considered venerable.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Tech billionaires and art critics can take their time enjoying the 11th-century relic in London.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Not every case deserves that kind of last-minute intervention, but in Duckett’s case nearly every shred of evidence presented at his original trial has been disproven or debunked.
    — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Every opportunity to pounce on each other, snap after gnats, and pull shreds of meat from bones is important.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Kennedy, who had served six years in the House and eight in the Senate before entering the White House, explained, with more than a hint of frustration, that passing major legislation in Congress is extraordinarily difficult.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • It's supposed to be nice on Tuesday, high of 64 and a hint of rain.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!