1
as in to define
to draw or make apparent the outline of
trace your hand onto this piece of paper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to track
to go after or on the track of
police traced the burglar back to his apartment, where they discovered a ton of stolen loot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in trail
a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it
the wolf came and went without leaving a trace on the hard, dry ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in road
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel
an old trace that dates back to the days of the covered wagon
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in path
a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps
stay on the trace, or you'll get lost in these thick woods
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in relic
a tiny often physical indication of something lost or vanished
a ship that appears to have vanished without a trace on the high seas
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in shred
a very small amount
doctors detected only a trace of bacteria in the blood sample but put the patient on antibiotics just in case
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Investigators soon realized the suspect had taken one of their vehicles and traced its movements to Colorado, where Miller was arrested early the morning of March 5, officials have said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2026
Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Bogus Basin is predicting only trace amounts of snow on Tuesday, when the high will be near 37.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trace
Verb
The rodeo traces its roots to 1938, when the Austin Chamber of Commerce began discussing a livestock show to promote beef production in Central Texas.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
Investigators soon realized the suspect had taken one of their vehicles and traced its movements to Colorado, where Miller was arrested early the morning of March 5, officials have said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
These fruits contain potassium, along with small amounts of phosphorus, calcium, and trace minerals, says Elizabeth Waddington, garden expert at First Tunnels.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
Bogus Basin is predicting only trace amounts of snow on Tuesday, when the high will be near 37.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
-
That contrast — a polished surface concealing something sinister — appears to define the show’s visual and emotional language.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Psychosis is defined as when a person experiences an alteration in their perception of reality, impacting their ability to think clearly and manage their emotions.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The vast majority of that spending has been in support of Cornyn, the ad tracking company reports.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Assuming the toymakers’ claims are valid, Cross said, the apparent lack of oversight raises questions about companies’ ability to track how developers and third parties are using their systems.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Officials said Miller ditched Oldroyd’s car at the trail and drove away in the white Subaru.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Regarding accessibility, the walking trail and main areas are accessible, but visitors with specific needs should contact the city directly at (305) 622-8000 for detailed information about accommodations.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Bojorquez wants to protect tax dollars, improve the maintenance of roads and bridges and fight for fair elections.—
Rachel Royster
Updated March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The driver lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road and struck a tree, the statement said.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The hotel is also collaborating with government technical schools to develop a training program, contributing to educational advancement and offering a career path to residents.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Is there a path for states to keep pushing for a Live Nation breakup?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This creature was a holdover, a relic of an earlier evolutionary era still hanging on while newer, more advanced animals were already evolving around it.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Yet, through careful restoration, elements like Pabst’s bar and other relics have been preserved and restored to showcase the rich history of this tie to Wisconsin’s past.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Serve the sandwiches with frozen French fries jazzed up with bits of parsley, coarse salt, black pepper, and parmesan shreds.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Mar. 2026
-
With tears stains on her shirt, Guthrie posted a new video Tuesday morning to increase the reward money from $100,000, saying their family was clinging to the smallest shred of hope that their mother would be returned to them safe.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The actress joined a crowd that included Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Emily Ratajkowski, Shay Mitchell, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Macaulay Culkin on Tuesday in Paris, her blonde bob tucked behind her ears, her glam perfect with a hint of a rosy cheek, a delicate smoky eye, and a pink lip.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The best sesame dressings have intense toasted sesame flavor, lots of zesty ginger, a hint of sugar and an ample dash of salt.—
Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
