trail 1 of 2

trail

2 of 2

verb

as in to track
to go after or on the track of we trailed our friend into the woods, inadvertently spoiling his plans for a solitary hike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trail distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of trail are chase, follow, and pursue. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer
trailed a suspect across the country

When would chase be a good substitute for trail?

While in some cases nearly identical to trail, 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 trail?

The meanings of follow and trail largely overlap; however, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

Where would pursue be a reasonable alternative to trail?

The words pursue and trail can be used in similar contexts, but pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

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 trail
Noun
Whether taking a refreshing stroll along the scenic trails, sharing a coffee with neighbors, or soaking in the breathtaking winter sunrises and sunsets, life here offers the perfect balance of luxury and tranquility. Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2025 Buttle said the woman pulled the gun out of her fanny pack and fired at people above her on the trail. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
State of play: Two recounts have confirmed that Griffin trails Riggs by 734 votes. Lucille Sherman, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025 Once trailing by six runs, the Astros marched all the way back, using Alvarez’s home run to tie the game and then scoring another pair of runs in the 10th to oust the Twins 9-7 on Sunday afternoon in the series finale at Target Field. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trail
Noun
  • Considering their remaining schedules, there’s a practical path to the Warriors moving into the third or fourth spot.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In a world where many leaders feel compelled to perform—mirroring what’s expected rather than leading from within—Piyush chose another path.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Less than half the number of new housing units got built in the city of Sacramento in 2024 than needed to stay on track with the eight-year housing strategy, and less than any other year since 2018.
    Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That hits not just collectors but everyday drinkers who look forward to getting their hands on a solid bottle without having to chase it down.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Catch up on the latest energy news: PRO: To chase or not to chase?
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Similarly, Ryan Truex, the younger son of Martin Sr., followed the familial racing footpath with success.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Ultimately, the key to making congestion pricing zones both fair and popular is through the provision of alternative modes of transport beyond private vehicles – frequent and low-cost mass transit, and safe cycleways and footpaths.
    Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Strategist, Neil Richardson, suggests that our digital shadows, the sum total of our online expressions and biometric traces, may soon outlive us, creating some kind of posthumous identity that transcends mortality.
    Tracey Follows, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This is how breaks with reality occur now, aided, in part, by the internet’s justification machine, which is an efficient mechanism for dispelling any trace of cognitive dissonance.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But the Trump administration has repeatedly criticized foreign aid as wasteful and accused agencies like USAID of pursuing political agendas.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Google’s $75 billion has no guarantees, other companies may pursue different strategies, and questions about 2026 activity levels remain.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is the year to create a gorgeous pathway through your yard or gardens.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Without clear pathways for progression, talented workers are increasingly willing to start fresh in entirely different fields.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Over the intervening 100 years, the organization grew its footprint across 13 states in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, becoming the largest power grid operator in the country.
    Christen Smith | The Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ultimately, a company’s partner ecosystem should provide the ability to accelerate co-selling through multiple channels, dramatically expanding their footprint and market recognition.
    Dustin Johnson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trail. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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