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
Despite collectively making up the largest share of the labor force and being on track to surpass older generations in educational attainment, Generation Z and millennials have higher rates of student loan debt and more mortgage debt. Elena Moore, NPR, 31 Oct. 2025 Age and height determines whether a racer can ride on the adult, junior, or mini Mario track. Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Just drop it inside your bag and track it via app on your phone. Deanna Taylor, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 When the killer, a Red Army commander, tracks him down, a brutal cross-country pursuit begins. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
Noun
  • Close to a million voters cast their ballots before the Democrats announced their plan, while the redistricting session took delegates off the trail during the final full week of campaigning.
    Jahd Khalil, NPR, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Lyles trails in funding for mayoral race Donovan’s campaign seemingly got a big financial boost after the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska on the Blue Line hit national headlines in early September.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Next, a 10,000-pound concrete-and-steel battering ram was used to punch 24-foot holes through the ice, beginning at the far end of the whales' four-mile path to freedom, so as not to alarm them.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Drinkwitz has helped the Tigers get talented players and stay in contention, but Mizzou will always have a difficult path in the SEC.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz are much better at providing the low delivery on the run, while Borna Sosa, trying the aerial route, kept finding the heads of Fredrikstad players in the first leg.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Center assigns them to specific flight routes and schedules where scientists think in-situ data would improve the forecasts as much as possible.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The coyote then chased after the child until the child's father noticed and started yelling until the coyote ran off.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The pictures show the inseparable duo standing side by side, playing together, and chasing each other.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While checking candy for tampering is important, government agencies and children's advocacy organizations concentrate more energy on other safety concerns while getting ready for Halloween night, including smart costume decisions and how to wisely traverse the streets.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Not only is the light spooky, but the three-hour tour traverses large rooms where the tuberculosis clinic was housed.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether being inspired by Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels, stacking wigs upon wigs for a potential runway look or perfecting mascara with traces of velvet, Jacobs’ consideration comes across loud and clear.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
  • In the end, deputies used surveillance footage from a neighbor’s door camera, the security system inside the Stauch household, Letecia’s search history, texts from her phone and traces of Gannon's blood found in unexpected places to build their case.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So for about 18 years, pedestrians and bicyclists vibing on footpath alongside the Blue Line would come to an abrupt stop near the I-277 overpass.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Both footpaths have been on Carlsbad’s master trails map for years.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then, the three-judge Ninth Circuit panel on October 20 issued a stay on Immergut’s first restraining order — a ruling that could have paved the way for a deployment as the legal battle played out.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • But Ash sends himself and Genevieve all the way back to 1893 instead, leaving the stability of the entire universe at risk.
    Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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