track 1 of 2

1
2
as in path
a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps there was still a faint track through the underbrush that indicated where the path used to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves I followed the track of the thief's eyes as he watched the woman put the money into her purse and walk away

Synonyms & Similar Words

track

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word track distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and vestige are common synonyms of track. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When can trace be used instead of track?

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

the killer left no traces

Where would vestige be a reasonable alternative to track?

While in some cases nearly identical to track, 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

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 track
Noun
The site is a stone’s throw from the former Longcross test track—now a major movie studio—where the McLaren F1 was shaken down. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 July 2025 Fitness-wise, there's now a Running Coach that measures your fitness level from 1 to 10 and creates a training program with real-time guidance and motivational messages to get you on the right track. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Verb
There are clear maps around dangerous rivers like the Guadalupe outlining where a flood like this will track, which areas will be underwater, and where the flood will reach first. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 10 July 2025 As of July 8, Kansas City has seen 87 homicides, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. Pj Green july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
Noun
  • The unspoiled nature and mountain views drew him in and between the hiking paths, equestrian trails, an overnight camping facility and 40 miles of class A trout streams there’s always something for the Orrs to get into.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Tucked into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P. for short), this former logging community blends rich history with small-town appeal and unspoiled natural beauty, with easy access to forested trails, wildlife habitats, and quiet stretches of shoreline.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Schneider highlighted that early signs of AI use cases — such as driving corporate headcount reductions and greater sales — have emerged and created a path towards reinvestment into future growth.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 10 July 2025
  • The best way to attract talent is by positioning customer service as a high-visibility path to marketing, product or sales.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Should the Red Sox go that route to add the righty, Alex Cora could be looking at a legitimate (hypothetical) postseason rotation built to contend in October.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • But that doesn’t mean the club would avoid going that route if the player fits.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
    Mike Stunson July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • And that’s what all three of these companies are chasing: trust, at scale.
    Olumuyiwa Olowogboyega, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The scene was more amusing than threatening — onlookers whipped out cell phone cameras to document the sight of horses traversing the grounds.
    Jim Newton, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
  • Created by the brand’s in-house team, the campaign features Zhao traversing the great outdoors, lush mountains, and cityscapes, eventually fleeing to the moon, all rendered via cutout paper collages.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The ink spool could contain traces of the last words Lin or his daughter typed on the machine — meaning perhaps the inventor's own words are in his magical machine too.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 5 July 2025
  • Soil, too, collects more than trace amounts of perchlorates, along with metals.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Paille also said that urban areas could be redesigned to separate roads from footpaths.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 27 May 2025
  • Shoppers have used them to spruce up everything from driveways, footpaths, and flower beds to stairways, swimming pools, and retaining walls.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • But Boone and company could not find a way to get the ball past Rath.
    Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • Park Eun-bin stars as Young-woo, a rookie attorney on the autism spectrum who pairs her intelligence with a unique perspective to help her clients in novel ways.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on track

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!