Synonyms of track

track 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrak 

1

as in trail

a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it

a muddy track across the kitchen floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trail
• trace
• path
• footprint
• sign
• residue
• imprint
• residual
• footstep
• reminder
• tread
• step
• rut
• evidence
• indication
• print
• scent
• shadow
• cue
• remainder
• remnant
• artifact
• clue
• token
• lead
• footmark
• pug
• hoofprint
• leavings
• spoor
• telltale
• relic
• vestige
• suggestion
• inkling
• hint
• remain(s)
• intimation
• whiff

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

• trail
• path
• footpath
• pathway
• road
• trace
• walkway
• route
• street
• passageway
• roadway
• alley
• lane
• thoroughfare
• bridle path
• shortcut
• run
• cutoff
• alleyway
• pass
• runway
• passage
• row
• byway
• towpath
• bypath
• byroad
• bystreet

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

• route
• path
• way
• trajectory
• course
• steps
• pathway
• line
• loop
• routeway
• descent
• circuit
• circle
• orbit
• arc
• flight path
• ascent

track

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of

predators stealthily tracking their prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chase
• pursue
• follow
• trace
• course
• accompany
• escort
• tail
• trail
• dog
• run
• tag
• watch
• run after
• hound
• shadow
• bird-dog
• hunt
• seek
• eye
• observe
• search (for)
• chaperone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

2

as in to traverse

to make one's way through, across, or over

once upon a time, millions of buffalo tracked the wide open plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traverse
• cross
• follow
• navigate
• walk
• cover
• travel
• course
• pass (over)
• transit
• ride
• cut (across)
• proceed (along)
• go
• hike
• tread
• perambulate
• peregrinate
• run
• tramp
• traipse
• crisscross

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

Recent Examples of track

Noun

Founded by a German in his mother’s laundry room, adidas initially outfitted track athletes. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

This was one of the first tracks for the album, if not the first. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures tracking smoking in young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 date to 2022—then around 5 percent of that group reported smoking cigarettes. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026

In the past, when refining capacity was ample, gasoline prices largely tracked changes in crude oil costs. — CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing track

• inside track
• track (down)