TRAIL Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'trail' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of trail are chase , follow , and pursue . While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object. // trail deer // trailed a suspect across the country

Q: When would 'chase' be a good substitute for 'trail'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trail , chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running. // a dog chasing a cat

Q: When is it sensible to use 'follow' instead of 'trail'?

The meanings of follow and trail largely overlap; however, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake. // friends followed me home in their car

Q: Where would 'pursue' be a reasonable alternative to 'trail'?

The words pursue and trail can be used in similar contexts, but pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain. // pursued the criminal through narrow streets

trail 1 of 2

noun

Definition of trail

as in path

a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps took a trail through the woods to get to the main road

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in track

a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it the slugs left a slimy trail on the sidewalk

Synonyms & Similar Words

trail

2 of 2

verb

ˈtrāl

as in to track

to go after or on the track of we trailed our friend into the woods, inadvertently spoiling his plans for a solitary hike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trail distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of trail are chase, follow, and pursue. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

When would chase be a good substitute for trail?

While in some cases nearly identical to trail, chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When is it sensible to use follow instead of trail?

The meanings of follow and trail largely overlap; however, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

Where would pursue be a reasonable alternative to trail?

The words pursue and trail can be used in similar contexts, but pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

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 trail

Noun

During our walk, Kewman and I came upon a flock of California quail beside the trail. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026 Meteors closer to the radiant have shorter trails and are more difficult to spot. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 2 Nov. 2026

Verb

Reed’s view Putting California’s billionaire tax on the ballot, which was trailing in early results but remained too close to call Wednesday, may have felt like a crusade against the rich and powerful. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026 In addition to his fellow Democrats’ win nationwide, two marquee ballot measures Newsom inveighed against fell or are trailing in early voting returns. — Liam Russell, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trail

Noun

Ben’s view Hoffman, who sometimes works from a small swivel chair in her children’s room, has followed a path from social video into the center of the swirling news cycles of true crime and celebrity.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
For Cascadia operators, the new Cross Traffic Assist is designed to detect vehicles crossing the truck's forward path at intersections.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of path

Noun

Across Lower East Side dives in the early 2000s, Brian Chase, Nick Zinner, and Karen O put on otherworldly rock shows that verged on performance art—a blaze of vodka-spitting, mic-fellating, IDGAF unruliness and explosive, clamorous tracks.

— Megan Buerger, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
The list below collects the books, movies, and tracks that inspired the spring 2027 collections.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of track

Verb

Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
At Fox, the viewer is the star, or at least the north star, the thing that everyone is chasing.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of chase

Noun

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,190-mile footpath across the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026
The 400-year span starts with the Lenape footpath and works its way up to today, when one of the last Bowery artists, Billy Sullivan, has painted the denizens as part of a massive installation of portraits.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of footpath

Noun

Along with heme, the study authors found the bone contained traces of manganese oxides, minerals that may have further helped stabilize and preserve the cells.

— Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
The animals had appeared healthy with no traces of mitochondrial DNA left over from the original eggs.

— Megan Molteni, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of trace

Verb

The talks could lead to decade-long energy partnerships, giving Moscow an opportunity to extend its influence in Africa as China and Western countries pursue nuclear deals of their own.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
The company is also pursuing a broader objective of carrying 1,000 pounds over 1,000 miles for less than $1,000 per flight.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of pursue

Noun

The agency already has a dual pathway through which manufacturers can seek a special clearance and a CLIA waiver together.

— Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, Time, 1 Nov. 2026
For example, researchers could investigate molecular structures and reaction pathways to identify promising compounds or chemical processes.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of pathway

Noun

The tower’s triangular footprint and compact structural core are intended to open up the floor plans and maximize views of the park, bay, and skyline.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
Key points Has built a leading position in AI infrastructure and is rapidly expanding its footprint.

— Paul Meeks, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of footprint

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Style

“Trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trail. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of trail

noun

verb

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