1
as in to chase
to go after or on the track of the policeman doggedly pursued the pickpocket through the crowded subway station

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to seek
to go in search of urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pursue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pursue are chase, follow, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When might chase be a better fit than pursue?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursue, 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 pursue?

The synonyms follow and pursue are sometimes interchangeable, but follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When would trail be a good substitute for pursue?

In some situations, the words trail and pursue are roughly equivalent. However, trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer
trailed a suspect across the country

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 pursue Otherwise, there is absolutely no indication that Russia won’t wait and regroup and pursue the same goals later on—in other words, subjugating Ukraine, carrying out regime change, and making sure that Ukraine remains essentially in the Russian sphere of influence. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025 Bryant is a former ADL education director, classroom teacher, and school administrator, currently a human rights commissioner for the city of Austin, Texas, pursuing a Ph.D. in educational and community leadership. Danielle Bryant, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025 Adding to these concerns is the president's move to blame Ukraine for Russia's 2022 invasion and Trump's embrace of Kremlin talking points as his administration pursues a swift end to the conflict. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 The grant money will make Johns Hopkins Medical School tuition free for students from families earning under $300,000 and will also increase financial aid for students pursuing degrees in nursing and public health. Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pursue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue
Verb
  • This synthesis — called hybrid intelligence — ensures that technology addresses real needs rather than chasing novelty for novelty’s sake.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Juno likes cats a little too much and would do best in a forever home without a feline friend to chase.
    Trish Stinger and, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Seahawks are seeking a first- and third-round pick in exchange for the 27-year-old Metcalf, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Thursday, and Metcalf is eyeing a new contract worth around $30 million per year.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
  • His company, MrBeast Industries, is now seeking to raise several hundred million dollars in funding at a staggering valuation of $5 billion, per a Bloomberg report.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • More than five times as many people searched for drones on Google in December than any month since Google started tracking searches back in 2004.
    Harry Enten, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • On this final day of February, the S & P 500 was tracking for a 3% monthly decline, as of Thursday's close.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Three medical experts testified in January that Geyser was no longer a threat to the public following considerable progress.
    Doha Madani, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • If Mickey 17 follows the same release pattern as the films listed above, then viewers can expect to purchase or rent the film on PVOD anytime between April 1 and April 8, since new film releases on PVOD typically debut on Tuesdays.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The palate has a notable sweetness accompanied by red and black fruit notes, a crisp acidity, and a backbone of ripe tannins.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Fasting may also be accompanied by a more serious study of the Quran throughout the month.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pursue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pursue. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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