1
as in tracking
the act of going after or in the tracks of another the cat ran down the street with a pair of dogs in pursuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in hobby
an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure a workaholic with few pursuits outside of the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pursuit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pursuit are business, calling, employment, métier, occupation, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When is business a more appropriate choice than pursuit?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursuit, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When might calling be a better fit than pursuit?

The meanings of calling and pursuit largely overlap; however, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When is it sensible to use employment instead of pursuit?

The words employment and pursuit can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When would métier be a good substitute for pursuit?

The synonyms métier and pursuit are sometimes interchangeable, but métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

In what contexts can occupation take the place of pursuit?

While the synonyms occupation and pursuit are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When can work be used instead of pursuit?

Although the words work and pursuit have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 pursuit Seattle The Seattle lifestyle is an appealing mix of both indoor and outdoor pursuits. Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025 The suspect allegedly rammed a police car before heading to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge with officers in pursuit. Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 28 May 2025 The president agreed to extend a 50 percent tariff deadline on goods from the European Union until July 9 (the date that the deferral of reciprocal tariffs on other trading partners across the globe will expire), presumably to allow for the pursuit of a trade agreement in the interim. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025 Texas authorities released video showing the pursuit and arrest of two New Orleans jail inmates who escaped on May 16. Both Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested on Monday following a high-speed chase that ended in Walker County, Texas, according to the Louisiana State Police. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pursuit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursuit
Noun
  • These measurements are tracked by Billboard and Luminate, and cover the data tracking eligibility period of March 22, 2024 through March 20, 2025.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 27 May 2025
  • Specifically, its ring has confirmed tracking for blood oxygen levels, heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep quality.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps her charms represent trips to Europe, tokens of luck, indications of hobbies, or nods to significant milestones.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
  • Madison hopes to be part of a family that supports her interests and hobbies.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The healthcare sector experiences rapid change because artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain tracing and telemedicine technologies transform the entire process of medical service delivery.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Officials said all family members of the infant were vaccinated and contact tracing suggests no community-wide exposure.
    Jaden Amos, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Add-ons include coverage for rental vehicles, pets, adventure sports and wedding cancellations Cancel For Any Reason coverage Add-on to Preferred and Deluxe plans reimbursing 50% of trip costs if purchased within 15 days of initial deposit.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Cardoso feels her passing is the most underrated aspect of her game — and Vandersloot, one of the greatest passing guards in the history of the sport, agrees.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Digital recreations of a young Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill (as Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker) have also appeared in the franchise.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Julia Sanchez, a recreation supervisor, said each year the Park District selects a different park for people to explore on Kids to Parks Day.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • These avocations can take many shapes—traveling, golf, time with family, snowboarding, knitting, hunting, gardening, fishing, church choir, college football, crossword puzzles, theater, cycling, and walking.
    Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South.
    Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • Though Monday’s goose chase ended up leading to a dead end, Swift is famous for teasing things months in advance and leaving Easter eggs for her fans to decode.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 27 May 2025
  • Brands that cut corners, fake green credentials, or chase shortcuts will love marketshare.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • One parent judge loves these stacking cups for their endless amusement.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025
  • Cruise also got a lot of props for once again putting his life on the line for our amusement.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pursuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pursuit. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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