treads 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tread
as in walks
to go on foot to protect the fragile environment of the beach dunes, we must tread cautiously and lightly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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treads

2 of 2

noun

plural of tread
as in steps

Related Words

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 treads
Verb
Consider paintings like Caracalla, where the titular emperor treads a trail of rose petals; or In a Rose Garden, where a woman shakes the petals of a rose bush down on her companion; and the extravaganza of The Roses of Heliogabalus. — Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 17 July 2026 This stone stays cool even in direct sunlight, with varied blues complementing the historic stonework and bluestone stair treads. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 The paper treads similar ground as previous research, which has noted large language models’ ability to search genomes for genes that have been sequenced after a patient was first seen in a hospital. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 18 June 2026 In his typical spare and deliberate style, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu has crafted yet another Palme d’Or-worthy film that fearlessly treads into controversial issues in our society but pointedly doesn’t take sides. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 May 2026 Very much like last year, the market just treads water. — Michael Considine, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 The battle over affordable housing runs deep in Colorado, with the state mandating higher density in recent years and, in turn, being sued by cities that claim the legislation treads on their home-rule authority. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026 Robert Romanus, as Damone, would scalp Ozzy Osbourne tickets to his grandmother, and yet deftly treads the tightrope between cockiness and desperation. — Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 The track treads with a cautious cadence through its first verse and refrain, then pauses. — Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for treads
  1. walks
  2. steps
  3. paths
  4. footsteps
  5. ruts
  6. footprints
  7. prints
  8. trails
Verb
  • Nguyen was excited to enjoy a warm summer outdoors before the smoke left her hesitant to step outside for her routine runs to the National Mall and daily walks with her dog.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Daily nature walks and naturalist talks give you the chance to learn about the plant and animal life on the island, and the resort’s Nature Center helps kids further connect with the outdoors through crafts and other activities.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Definition of walks
Noun
  • Fans wailed outside St James’ and Keegan stood on the steps to placate them, but then Les Ferdinand arrived and another Hollywood-upon-Tyne took shape.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Most services still route residents through PDFs, paper or in-person steps.
    — Brian Chidester, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of steps
Noun
  • Taking care of their own Across Hill Country, the floodwaters carved different paths of destruction.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • When done well, this can create room for people to move up the value chain, but only if organizations intentionally redesign roles, performance metrics, and career paths around this new reality.
    — Nigel Vaz, Time, 20 July 2026
Definition of paths
Noun
  • But maybe that’s fine in the footsteps of a Hurricanes’ championship that was highlighted by their deep approach.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Shternshis wanted to trace the footsteps of Beregovsky, who was himself a survivor of the Holocaust.
    — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Definition of footsteps
Noun
  • Neptune retrograde in Aries commences on this day, urging us to break out of our emotional and professional ruts and to reignite our dreams.
    — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Wet soil is also prone to compaction from the weight of the mower, which may leave ruts in the yard.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
Definition of ruts
Noun
  • The companies using this period strategically to build trade compliance capabilities, diversify their sourcing footprints and cultivate relationships in target markets before conditions fully stabilize are making an investment in future readiness.
    — Greg Hewitt, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • After a conflict ends, buildings and neighborhoods can be extruded from their footprints.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Definition of footprints
Noun
  • When the ticket prints, it will be designated with a random multiplier of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
  • There are throw pillows in floral prints, cozy jacquard throw blankets, marble catchall dishes, faux fall floral arrangements and autumnal still life prints, among other picks exciting us ahead of the new season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of prints
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
Definition of trails

Browse Nearby Words

treadmills
treads
treason
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Cite this Entry

“Treads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/treads. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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