vestige

noun

ˈve-stij How to pronounce vestige (audio)
Definition of vestigenext
1
as in relic
a tiny often physical indication of something lost or vanished a few strange words carved on a tree were the only vestige of the lost colony of Roanoke

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot the fossilized vestige of a dinosaur that traversed that muddy landscape millions of years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vestige distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and track are common synonyms of vestige. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," vestige applies to a tangible reminder such as a fragment or remnant of what is past and gone.

boulders that are vestiges of the last ice age

When could trace be used to replace vestige?

In some situations, the words trace and vestige are roughly equivalent. However, trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

Where would track be a reasonable alternative to vestige?

While the synonyms track and vestige are close in meaning, track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

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 vestige The only vestiges of social order are a vigilante police force and the power company. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 The avocado green kitchen—once considered an outdated vestige from the ’70s—is now back in fashion, and design experts are totally digging the retro vibe. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026 Again, this is a sort of vestige of the Venetians, and [a result of] our being put on the spice trail by the Venetians. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 All that can be seen of the building now is the vestiges of its foundations. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vestige
  1. relic
  2. footstep
  3. trace
  4. footprint
  5. remnant
Noun
  • The results on Tuesday also rendered the Cybertruck an instant relic.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But they would eventually be seen as a relic of the bygone days when Mexicans ruled — days that gringos imagined would never return.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of relic
Noun
  • But remarkably few agents followed in Childress’s footsteps; Farris, for example, refused to participate in separations but did not quit, asking his supervisor to assign him elsewhere instead.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • When asked about the best way for people to advocate for Colombians, Rúa recommended people follow in his footsteps, using social media as a way to call for government action.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of footstep
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
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
Noun
  • The damage comes only a year after intense October 2025 flooding, driven by the remnants of Pacific cyclones.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Still, the wreck’s most famous remnant is the brass combination lock still in working condition after four centuries buried in sand.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of remnant

Browse Nearby Words

vestibules
vestige
vestiges
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Cite this Entry

“Vestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestige. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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