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trace

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noun

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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

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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 execution of the simplex algorithm from start to finish, represented geometrically, involves finding the path — from, say, the bottom vertex to the uppermost point — that involves the fewest steps or, equivalently, traces the fewest edges. Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025 When manufacturers can trace inputs back to specific regions or mines, their confidence to partner with African suppliers rises. Anu Adedoyin Adasolum, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
He was found to have drug paraphernalia and trace amounts of cocaine, according to authorities. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 The post urges individuals to mask up, coordinate with others, and take steps to avoid identification – including cleaning laser pointers with alcohol, wearing gloves, and removing potential DNA traces before disposal. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Lyra’s existence pushes back against the moral absolutes and gendered expectations that define her world and seek to limit her agency.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The shipborne system draws tracking data from the Baden-Württemberg’s TRS-4D AESA radar, integrated into its combat management system.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • That would track with current projections, which have four movies expected to crack double digits in total nominations on Oscar morning.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here, the meteor trails will be at their longest.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Nearby, visitors can explore waterfalls, hiking trails, dramatic coastal rock formations, redwoods, fern canyons and many more quiet nature and outdoor activities.
    Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His hobbies include reading, listening to music and going on long, winding adventures on his road bike.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Winding roads eventually lead to Hotel Corazón, a former finca — a country estate — growing produce on its cantilevered farmland that has been transformed by two expat artists into a boho chic retreat.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • By controlling the pressure inside the robot’s body and the temperature of the actuators, the researchers were able to steer it through intricate paths.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Directed by Sylvain White and featuring early performances from Meagan Good, Ne-Yo, and Chris Brown, the film celebrates movement as both self-expression and a path toward belonging—perfect for the spirit of Homecoming season.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nguyen exhibits the film next to his own artwork made from Vietnam bomb relics.
    Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Past efforts to revitalize the five-story relic failed to materialize before the late-night fire made such plans moot.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The shreds will quickly soften in a few minutes at room temperature.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
  • After all, that warped sitcom spoof has to be one of the most genuinely demented things to ever air, without a shred of warning and in the middle of the night, on cable TV.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As Crane hints, Brooke’s take on the eighteenth-century sentimental romance would be a controversial selection as Canada’s first.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Dæmons seem to be an outward manifestation of the complex nature of humans that encompasses, male, female and animalistic characteristics that hint towards the breaking of gender binaries and the possibilities of interspecies relations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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