track 1 of 2

1
2
as in path
a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps there was still a faint track through the underbrush that indicated where the path used to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves I followed the track of the thief's eyes as he watched the woman put the money into her purse and walk away

Synonyms & Similar Words

track

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word track distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and vestige are common synonyms of track. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When can trace be used instead of track?

In some situations, the words trace and track are roughly equivalent. However, trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

Where would vestige be a reasonable alternative to track?

While in some cases nearly identical to track, 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 track
Noun
Over 10 freewheeling tracks, the band successfully weaves even more of their mythos, while spinning into new genres, tackling new subject matter and having the most fun possible while doing it all. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025 Dulgarian, the son of a dirt-track racer, epitomizes the restlessly innovative spirit that keeps shoegaze so vital. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Authorities have been tracking several phone numbers involved in Scott’s case and investigating whether any other individuals were involved with the kidnapping. Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 Our research and analysis team is tracking the impact, and there will be a report on this next year. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
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
  • 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
  • Desert View Drive, a 25-mile scenic route along Arizona Highway 64, is a low-key wonder that rewards those willing to wander slightly off the park’s busiest paths.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The father and son had allegedly been walking along the path of Les Feixades, which is a popular hiking route that families take daily, when the tragedy occurred, per the outlet.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cavazos says this work — chasing leads or even, at times, following ICE agents — to alert the community can be hard, especially now that the Department of Homeland Security regularly accuses groups like Cavazos' of interfering with their jobs and endangering the lives of immigration officers.
    Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In private debt, incentive misalignment can arise if managers prioritize asset growth at all costs, which sometimes leads to chasing thinner spreads or riskier deals.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The team traversed steep and uneven ground, overcame vertical drops of up to 60 feet (20 meters) using rope techniques and transformed a small underground site into a temporary base.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Several states along the East Coast have been issued warnings by the National Weather Service (NWS), after a nor’easter traversed the eastern seaboard this weekend bringing with it the threat of strong wind and heavy rain.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Even trace concentrations can affect algae and fish, creating ripple effects across ecosystems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
  • His warning comes just days after Beijing unveiled sweeping new export controls that would require companies worldwide to seek Chinese approval before shipping thousands of products containing even trace amounts of rare earths.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Along the way, Podolsky shares stories of remarkable people, intriguing history, and the modern challenges facing the Appalachian Trail — all as the iconic footpath marks its 100th anniversary.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Create footpaths in these areas to reduce wear and damage to the lawn.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The disappointment of losing to Watertown yet again, this time a 2-1 decision in early September that could’ve gone the other way.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In one of the more truly unimaginable comebacks in recent franchise history, the Broncos clawed all the way back from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit to down the Giants 30-26 at Empower Field on Sunday.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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