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
This track is about the quiet power of love and attention. Dan Rys, Billboard, 22 May 2025 These products can help keep your family on track, though, in this beautiful dance of patience, love, and discovery. Toby Rose, Parents, 22 May 2025
Verb
Here is a breakdown of some of the biggest incidents tracked by the Israeli government. Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025 This hi-tech device takes the guesswork out of sleep tracking by monitoring baby’s movements and slumber patterns. Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
Noun
  • Picnic tables overlook the cascades, and a short trail allows for easy exploration.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
  • Canadian Rangers make a trail across the tundra for U.S. Special Forces following behind.
    Gavin John, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The path to infection The most common way people swimming inland get sick is by swallowing the water.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Aging is being redefined not as a linear path to decline, but as a modifiable, and in some ways reversible, biological process.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Cruise remote trails and rock crawl through iconic routes like one to the hydroelectric power plant at Bridal Veil Falls and Ophir Pass to Alta Lakes and Ghost Town.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 May 2025
  • And earlier this week, Italy enacted a law that removes the route to citizenship through great-grandparents.
    Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Redefining What Success Looks Like Instead of chasing traditional business blueprints rooted in overwork and hustle, many Black women are carving out a new model—one that centers sustainability, wellness, and self-preservation.
    Jasmine Browley, Essence, 28 May 2025
  • Photos show the furry intruder perched on top of the stove in the kitchen, where a warden and local sheriff's deputy discovered the animal before chasing it from the property through an open door.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The trail traverses parks, woodlands, pastures, and cemeteries.
    Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • The 190-mile trail traverses three national parks and is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in England.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Several people reported feeling sick in the Netherlands after consuming Haribo fizzy candy that contained traces of cannabis.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • Organizations can, therefore, sift through logs, traces and metrics, analyze trends, detect anomalies and identify root causes faster and more accurately than humanly possible.
    Dave Link, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • And in Sri Lanka, the hotel group Resplendent Ceylon has formalized a network of 14 footpaths that cut through forests and tea fields.
    Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The city’s roads and walkways are steep, bisected by narrow footpaths, all displaying wares or services for sale.
    Ben Ayers, Outside Online, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • At a time when many young people see college as the only way forward, veterans have already shown a willingness to choose their own path.
    Adam Stone, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Sankey said the way the committee seems to weigh strength of schedule shortchanges the conference slate, which doesn’t include any teams among the lower half of the 134 NCAA FBS programs.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 27 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 4 Jun. 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!