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 next

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

The project includes apartments, condominiums, triplexes, single-family homes, parks, trails and open space. —

Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 There are limited backcountry camping options, and water can be sparse on the trail. —

Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Verb

Scurrying through the backhalls and stairwells of the Philippine Senate, trailed by aides and falling over at least once, the large, bald man was trying to evade local agents. —

Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 These clouds then start to trail behind the Kelvin wave that marks the leading edge of the cloud bank. —

Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for trail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trail

Noun

That approval came after a letter from the Alliance to Aurora aldermen saying that, after meetings with Laesch, there was a path forward for a partnership with the city.

— R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
One of the highlights is the Viaduto do Carvalho, a bridge built along the edge of a mountain with sweeping views over the forest canopy and distant peaks as the train curves along its path.

— Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026