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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
Less than 1% each traced their origins to Nicaraguan, Argentine, Panamanian, Chilean, Costa Rican, Bolivian or Uruguayan descent. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025 In dealmaking,timing is everything and most failures trace back not to bad execution but to answering the call when the time wasn’t right. Jessica Billingsley, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
Even trace amounts of undeclared wheat can cause hives, swelling, respiratory distress, or life-threatening anaphylaxis in allergic individuals. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 After 12–24 hours in the fridge, the full-bodied cold brew is ready to drink with no traces of fatty acids or bitter oils. Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • On a macro level, leaders create a vision for an organization, define its purpose, establish a mission statement, develop a strategic plan, evaluate market needs, foster commitment, and inspire others.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • While the official launch is scheduled for September, the exterior design stays true to the current Dream, featuring the bold waterfall-style grille and chrome accents that define its premium presence.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Its systems act as a 3D camera, tracking up to 15,000 collisions each second.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The college attributed increasing nonparticipating student counts to improved methods of tracking student participation.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The plans include 44 cottages and six buildings with two apartment buildings of 94 units, a 24-unit memory care building, a clubhouse, spa and private restaurant, set around resident amenities such as a pool, trails, gardens and pickleball courts.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
  • If fitness is your focus, go to the gym or the trail.
    Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, other corporations have been down a similarly troubled road in recent years.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Bobcats went on the road Thursday night and struggled in the second half in a 38-21 loss against Lewisville at Max Goldsmith Stadium.
    Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Gateway — the Artemis program's pitstop space station in lunar orbit — has had a bumpy path inside the program's architecture.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational, the E-2 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So, what was this relic doing under my bed?
    Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The company was widely dismissed as a relic of declining foot traffic and a fad retail concept that had already peaked.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Shred into large pieces into a bowl, then go back through with your fingers to break into fine shreds.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
  • To them, the phrase conveyed the precious shreds of humanity that survive the dehumanizing effects of the internet.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Now, many Fifth Harmony fans are convinced this was not a one-off surprise performance, but a hint that the group may be planning a Jonas Brothers-esque resurgence.
    Glamour, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Today’s ReHeardle hints and answers for Tuesday, September 2 are coming right up.
    Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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