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
With five wins in the evening, the song is undoubtedly the most successful diss track in recent memory, making Drake’s absence at the show all the more glaring (and arguably understandable). Evan Nicole Brown, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025 In footage shared in a joint post between the Chiefs and Kelce, the NFL star walked off a plane with his teammates wearing a mustard yellow track top and matching pants by Palm Angels, which retail for $1,170. Escher Walcott, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2025 It's designed to track 10-digit numbers, though there are other, similar bodies that keep track of short codes and toll-free numbers. Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for track 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
Noun
  • Videos captured a giant red-orange fireball, followed by an eerie trail of smoke and burning debris.
    Ray Sanchez and Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The largest of the seven cabins currently houses a gym, with other amenities including a pair of hot tubs, ponds, and hiking and cross-country ski trails throughout the estate.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Jones grew up the daughter of artists, so creativity has always been her path.
    Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 4 Feb. 2025
  • After the regulatory path failed, lawmakers briefly considered legislation last year that would allow Connecticut to follow the California approach, but with an opt-out down the road should the transition to electric prove too difficult.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Since the accident above the Potomac River, the Federal Aviation Administration has indefinitely suspended the use of most of those routes.
    Andy Rose, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Outbound buses would take Interstate 35 and use Interstate 435 for return routes.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But Barkley didn’t join the Eagles to chase records.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • There's several variations but there's a big one that moves after the little one that appears to be chasing it....
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Multiple waves of low pressure will traverse this boundary, and this coupled with the Pacific moisture transport and upslope flow/forcing over the higher terrain of the coastal ranges and northern Sierra Nevada foothills should yield as much as an additional 5 to 10 inches of rain.
    Anna Skinner, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
  • In Connemara National Park in County Galway, hike to views of the Twelve Bens Mountains, or traverse across Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal, which has gorgeous lakeside and mountain trails, and then hit the visitor center for tea and cake.
    Yvonne Gordon, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Police had searched repeatedly for any trace of Dee Warner, but found no sign of her dead or alive, and no signs of violence.
    Sarah Prior, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Even after the last traces of the storm are gone, though, many throughout the south will be forced to deal with vehicle damage.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There are no cars or even roads on the two-square-mile volcanic outcrop, though footpaths are traversable by donkey.
    Oscar Holland, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Travelers can fly into Kahului Airport on a major airline and then drive two to four hours along the 64.6-mile-long Road to Hana, built in 1926 when there were only narrow footpaths and horseback riding trails.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For families already finding their own way, like Harris, clarity on what will happen would be helpful now.
    Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Measurement issues Assessing the true size of Singapore’s philanthropic sector is challenging because of the many ways donors can give.
    Kevin Lim, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near track

Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on track

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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