trail 1 of 2

trail

2 of 2

verb

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
According to a news release from the city, the donation would expand open space options near the Mesa and Table Rock reserves and could create trail connections for nearby Table Rock trails, which are part of the Ridge to Rivers trail system. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025 Future plans include new river access and trail connections on both sides of the river. Neil Nakahodo, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
According to the Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database, IU regularly trailed its Big Ten brethren in annual football spending, $12 million shy of the median in 2019. Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 Benson leads in the potential horse race matchup with 30% of the vote, as James trails at 29% and Duggan follows with 26% of the vote, according to the poll, conducted for Duggan’s campaign and reported by Politico. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trail
Noun
  • Next, a 10,000-pound concrete-and-steel battering ram was used to punch 24-foot holes through the ice, beginning at the far end of the whales' four-mile path to freedom, so as not to alarm them.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Drinkwitz has helped the Tigers get talented players and stay in contention, but Mizzou will always have a difficult path in the SEC.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here, fans sit above the pit straight and start-finish line, roughly level with Turn 1 as the track climbs steeply up toward them.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • However, uncertainty in Melissa’s track and forward speed reduces confidence in exact totals.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Jays capitalized on the Dodgers’ weak middle relief after chasing starter Blake Snell in the sixth inning to bust open a massive lead.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • At Longy, while classmates entered competitions and chased prestigious symphony positions, Wasefi spoke of returning to Afghanistan’s provinces to teach music.
    Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • So for about 18 years, pedestrians and bicyclists vibing on footpath alongside the Blue Line would come to an abrupt stop near the I-277 overpass.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Both footpaths have been on Carlsbad’s master trails map for years.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Whether being inspired by Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels, stacking wigs upon wigs for a potential runway look or perfecting mascara with traces of velvet, Jacobs’ consideration comes across loud and clear.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
  • In the end, deputies used surveillance footage from a neighbor’s door camera, the security system inside the Stauch household, Letecia’s search history, texts from her phone and traces of Gannon's blood found in unexpected places to build their case.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her teachers and counselor encouraged her to pursue higher education despite her parents’ stance.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • With the owners expected to lock out the players and pursue a salary cap after the collective bargaining agreement expires after next season, the Dodgers serve as an easy foil.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Biologics have a special pathway to FDA approval, and biosimilars — alternatives to the brand name products — have long been treated differently than other generic drugs.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This provides a pathway to utilize materials that might otherwise be considered waste.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition to cutting big checks for talent, Meta is pouring tens of billions of dollars into data center projects to expand its AI computing footprint.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In this age of money ruling all things program building — not historical blue blood status or high school geographic recruiting footprints — anyone can change the course of history with the right coach and a boatload of cash (hello, Indiana).
    Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trail. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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