Synonyms of trails

trails 1 of 2

noun

plural of trail

1

as in paths

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

• paths
• footpaths
• pathways
• tracks
• roads
• walkways
• routes
• traces
• streets
• passageways
• roadways
• alleys
• thoroughfares
• byways
• runs
• alleyways
• lanes
• towpaths
• bridle paths
• shortcuts
• bypaths
• runways
• cutoffs
• passages
• passes
• byroads
• rows
• bystreets

2

as in tracks

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

• tracks
• traces
• footprints
• paths
• signs
• residues
• steps
• shadows
• residuals
• footsteps
• imprints
• ruts
• reminders
• treads
• remnants
• artifacts
• prints
• indications
• scents
• clues
• relics
• evidences
• cues
• tokens
• hoofprints
• suggestions
• footmarks
• vestiges
• remains
• remainders
• hints
• leavings
• leads
• intimations
• pugs
• spoor
• telltales
• inklings
• whiffs

trails

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of trail

as in chases

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

• tracks
• chases
• pursues
• traces
• follows
• courses
• tails
• escorts
• dogs
• shadows
• tags
• accompanies
• hounds
• runs after
• runs
• bird-dogs
• watches
• hunts
• eyes
• seeks
• searches (for)
• chaperones
• observes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• leads
• guides
• pilots
• heads

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trails

Noun

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most iconic destinations—but its popularity means visitors often have to contend with crowded overlooks, full parking lots, and busy hiking trails, especially during the busy seasons of summer and fall. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026

Miles of forest trails for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. — Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 July 2026

Those efforts reflect an understanding that trails and greenways are not simply recreational amenities. — Andrew Kimball, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

The tax funds free admissions to state parks and historic sites, upgrades to trail systems and park amenities and upkeep on the structures, campsites and trails overseen by the Department of Natural Resources. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

This is where the shooting star trails will be at their longest. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Patrouille de France, the French Air Force’s acrobatic teams, flew over New York Harbor with their red, white and blue trails, evoking images of the American flag. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Verb

McLaren sits in third place, 163 points behind Mercedes, while Red Bull trails in fourth, 207 points back. — Yara Elshebiny, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

On top of that, Messi now trails Mbappé by two goals in this year’s Golden Boot race and one goal in the all-time World Cup list. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

The Biden administration, by contrast, had used the same program to fund hundreds of millions of dollars in bike lanes and trails nationwide. — Joel Rose, NPR, 16 July 2026

The visit comes as Garrity trails Shapiro by roughly 20 points, raising questions about how much political influence DeSantis carries in a battleground state where his 2024 presidential campaign struggled to break through. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026

Kylian Mbappé trails Lionel Messi of Argentina by just one goal in the Golden Boot race, but his Les Bleus now face their toughest test of the tournament. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 July 2026

The affected area runs approximately 2 miles northwest of Boise and includes the Hulls Gulch trails, according to the Bureau of Land Management. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026

Sanchez trails only Orlando’s Barbara Banda, who leads the league with 11. — ABC News, 4 July 2026

Signs of snakes include small rounded holes, shed skins, droppings, and trails winding in the soil. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026