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Definition of tracenext
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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
But Toohey also traced his knee injury back to the pre-draft process, when NBA teams were trying to figure out if his game would translate from Australia’s National Basketball League to the NBA level. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 Conversations often return to earlier experiences, revisit difficult emotions, and trace how present challenges connect to deeper patterns. Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Noun
The moment Rhaenyra checks the fake Daeron’s roots for traces of dye and finds nothing. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 The Metropolitan Museum of Art has tested positive for traces of the bacteria linked to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, health officials announced Tuesday. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • The article posits these are the first public votes in a critical referendum, urging everyone to consciously define AI's boundaries in their work and personal lives.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Rather than building every lavish living room and sweeping residence on a soundstage, productions often turn to real-life properties that help define their characters and set the tone.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Since a June 9 flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City ahead of the tournament's opening match, the aircraft averaged more than one flight a day and on multiple days made more than three, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • No federal agency tracks the practice, so researchers have relied on estimates.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The most recent fatality was on July 11, when a 64-year-old Greek hiker died after collapsing on a trail.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Keen took inspiration from the A86, a vintage trail runner plucked straight from the brand’s archives, and updated the design with contemporary flavor.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • What’s different this time is getting to the Diner, as both Santa Monica Blvd (which the Diner faces) and Sunset Blvd are seeing extended road work – some of it due to a water main that burst on July 16.
    Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Two Boston city councilors are pushing for a change in city law that would require Mayor Michelle Wu to report street projects annually as Wu faces criticism for stalling road work before a city employee was killed by a truck.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • New Zealand’s biosecurity minister has warned that the country will follow a similar path, should a widespread outbreak occur.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The incident also demonstrated that models can potentially identify and exploit novel attack paths without direct access to an organization’s source code.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The upcoming release of 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball will feature Back-to-Back Gold Logoman patch autographed one-of-a-kind cards of Ohtani and Judge, taking those relics from jerseys worn in each of their 2024 and 2025 MVP seasons.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Common areas offer barbecue grill, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and Route 66 relics.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Fair Oaks’ famous chickens roam the property, pecking up shreds of lettuce that inevitably fall from the sandwiches.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Unlike our northern neighbors that have made chili cheese coneys a whole thing, these so-not-Cincinnati chili dogs don't carry a shred of cheese.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Dark romances often blend genres and may include hints of dark academia, fairytale or fantasy.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • After hitting a three in the California Classic, Goldin hasn’t been able to build on that hint of extended range.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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