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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 project has been years in the making, with its roots tracing back to 2016 when Baker and TORRES first played a show together. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025 Photographed by Ace Amir The tradition dates back to the 1700s, but there’s no neat way to trace its lineage. Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
No small tail flickered out of sight and no trace of perforation was visible. Hazlitt, 12 Mar. 2025 Yet, the origins of the Pasha trace back decades prior. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Silversands Grand Anse Modern design and luxe amenities define Silversands Grand Anse, an intimate, upscale collection of 43 rooms and eight villas, complete with a spacious spa and spectacular dining.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Under Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Force has defined a highly effective strategy; corresponding operational concepts and technologies; and a new training regimen to ensure U.S. equities in space are secured.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The firm, which has raised $25 million, has developed a helmet that can read brain waves and track eye movements, part of a brain-computer interface market that could grow to $80 billion by 2035, according to Morgan Stanley.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The office also oversees a large data collection project that tracks disparities in resources, course access and discipline for students of different racial and socioeconomic groups.
    Annie Ma and Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Special Birding Trails About 200 miles of trails makes up The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail along Alabama's Gulf coast.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Although the golden retriever has long settled into his new home in New York, his tear-jerking farewell is still leaving a trail of dewy-eyed viewers in its wake.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • New York has completed the first leg of its road back-to-back.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Following the release of Hot, the girl group is set to hit the road on the Easy Crazy Hot tour beginning next month in Incheon, South Korea before heading to several countries throughout Asia, with North American dates expected to take place in September.
    Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • News filtered through of Vinicius Junior missing a penalty, but with no further goal flashes, the conversations about who was most wanted in the next round boiled down to Real bringing the glamour Arsenal have so missed, but Atletico maybe providing a less daunting path to the next round.
    Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Zoom in: The Mineral Regulatory Clarity Act leaves the Rosemont decision in place — but would allow mining companies an alternative permitting path for mills, shafts, crushers, and waste facilities on federal land.
    Daniel Moore, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers also found additional relics like stone tools made from flint and quartz, as well as animal bones displaying cut marks.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Far from being a relic or a measure in need of hasty correction, GDP remains an essential gauge of how much a society is able to produce and ultimately consume.
    James Broughel, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When the last shreds of sunlight vanish, everyone pulls their car up to the field and turns on their headlights.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Waste management giant Veolia shreds blades into small pieces that go in kilns to replace the coal, sand and clay required to make cement.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Here are some hints for today’s Quordle game, followed by the answers: What Are Today’s Quordle Hints?
    Kris Holt, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep. CNN — I’m captivated by my new personal health tracker, a Christmas gift from my husband.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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