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
This track leans on deep bass in the form of a bass synth. PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 Martin stopped coaching track because the starting pistol reminded her of the flash-bang grenade the agents set off. Sudhin Thanawala and Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
For instance, on August 29, 2024, six tornadoes were confirmed across central and southern Minnesota, including an EF1 tornado that tracked near Andover in Anoka County. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 There have been roughly 400 ICE deportation flights since Trump took office, according to Tom Cartwright, who tracks ICE flights daily as a volunteer for Witness at the Border. Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
Noun
  • And discussions are still underway for how a trail could be safely separated from the tracks.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Key to her rescue was a smelly T-shirt worn by her owner in 12-hour shifts that was ripped up and used as a scent trail to attract her to an enclosure, Kangala directors Jared and Lisa Karran said in a video posted to Facebook.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The advancements in hair restoration and the increasing acceptance of cosmetic procedures for all offer a path for men to take control of their appearance and well-being, with none of the shame of yesterday.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • If your career background will help guide and inform a high school grad following a similar path, offering mentorship and sharing advice and wisdom is invaluable, according to Forge.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • American military veteran hijacks plane in Belize, officials say The airplane, which had only 14 passengers on board, had been due to fly the short route from Corozal near the Mexican border to San Pedro, a popular tourist destination off the coast.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Amanda McPherson, 38, and Johnathon McPherson, 27, were caught when detectives discovered seemingly unrelated cases of fraud shared the same postal routes, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said in an April 17 news release.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The capturing of one of the sun's most elusive features is bound to inspire others to chase partial eclipses, particularly those occurring at sunrise or sunset, Seaton said.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Hundreds arose from the snow and began to chase Abby.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Weekends can get crowded, but weekdays are quieter, meaning the short, steep hikes to various overlooks—including Old Baldy (the park's most notable hill) will be less traversed.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Hundreds, if not thousands, of insect species most likely migrate, including dragonflies that cross the Indian Ocean, moths that traverse Australia and plant hoppers that windsurf through East Asia.
    Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Two Italian regions particularly show evidence of these first traces.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Per a project summary, the team discovered caves filled with paintings and traces of hunter-gatherer settlements.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike its great western counterparts along the Pacific Crest or the Continental Divide, the United States’ most iconic footpath is subtle—a green tunnel through some of the oldest and most graceful mountains in the world, not some sizzle reel of endless panoramas.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Vilnius already has 926 miles of footpath and a network of walking trails, including 24 leisure trails and 16 everyday routes.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Parents say private or homeschool is the only way to avoid conflict with religion After various teachers, administrators and parents raised concerns about the effectiveness and age-appropriateness of the books, the school system allowed students to be excused when they were read in class.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Southern interior designers know that there are many different ways to enjoy nice china that don't involve dining.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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