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
Based on current tracks and the dead probe's orbital inclination of 52 degrees, the craft's reentry could occur anywhere between 52 degrees north latitude and 52 degrees south — an area that covers most of Earth's surface. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 9 May 2025 Trent Grisham, a talented defender, made a rare mistake on the ball, which turned him around before falling on the warning track. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Pic’s blurb: A mercenary takes on the job of tracking down a target on a plane but must protect her when they’re surrounded by people trying to kill both of them. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 May 2025 And that’s why researchers believe the object that space traffic experts are tracking is Cosmos 482. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
Noun
  • Despite a growing economy and tax base, the state currently spends almost $5,000 less per student than the national average and trails behind neighboring states South Carolina and Virginia.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
  • In a news release, the National Park Service (NPS) said its rangers were notified that a man had fallen during a hike on the primitive section of the Windows Loop trail on Tuesday, May 6, adding that bystanders administered CPR before authorities arrived at the scene.
    David Chiu, People.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • While embarking on mission to avenge Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), the duo cross paths with a dangerous militant faction known as the Washington Liberation Front (W.L.F.) led by Isaac (Jeffrey Wright).
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Before the sun gets too powerful, go horseback riding at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area or tackle the 5.6-mile bike path and trail at West Feliciana Sports Park.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Originally Published: May 12, 2025 at 3:55 PM EDT Most Popular Most Popular Property of the week: Striking historic home along the Connecticut river Parking crunch looms at major CT airport amid route expansion.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • Taking a bus or driving the 435-mile route is also an option.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • In the woods near their home, Viggo runs while Oscar chases him.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
  • The result is a property that doesn’t chase trends but sets them.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Fort Worth plans to spend $22 million revamping a mile-long stretch of Ray White linking Mirage Drive and the bridge traversing Bear Creek.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025
  • If Diddy was on the plane, he would’ve first been inspected by customs officials before traversing Antigua, which is mandatory.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • After late July 1845, when a pair of whaling ships encountered HMS Erebus and HMS Terror in Baffin Bay, off the coast of Greenland, no European ever reported seeing any of the men alive again, despite the fact that as many as 36 expeditions searched for traces of them between 1847 and 1859.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
  • Parachute Percale Sheet Set $269 $188 Parachute For subtle traces of butter yellow, try this percale set from Parachute that comes with one pillowcase, a flat sheet, and a top sheet beneath your choice of duvet.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • The city’s roads and walkways are steep, bisected by narrow footpaths, all displaying wares or services for sale.
    Ben Ayers, Outside Online, 1 May 2025
  • The footpath can be hiked in sections through several access points.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • That should once again be a classic offensive showdown, a perfect way for NFL fans to wind down after eating lots of food.
    Seth Quinn, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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