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trace

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noun

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as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something there didn't seem to be so much as a trace of the truth to anything he said

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot followed the traces of the deer into the deep woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trace distinct from other similar nouns?

The words track and vestige are common synonyms of trace. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

When could track be used to replace trace?

The synonyms track and trace are sometimes interchangeable, but track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When might vestige be a better fit than trace?

The words vestige and trace can be used in similar contexts, but 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 trace
Verb
Its decline can be traced back to a couple of key events, including an omission from Irish schools from 1831 to 1878 and the Great Famine of 1845 — which ripped through poorer, rural areas, where the language was still prominent, resulting in a rapid decline of speakers. Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025 New York Helicopter traced its financial troubles to an order by New York City to cut their trips by 50% in tandem with an increase in the fees to land at the heliport in lower Manhattan. John Annese, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
While the dramedy has some smart, if overwritten, dialogue and traces of worthwhile commentary, fans of Tropper’s work on Banshee and Warrior are likely to find this a somewhat flat and domesticated version of his voice. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025 The far East Bay saw trace amounts of rain, between about one-tenth of an inch and one-third of an inch, according to the weather service. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • The line defines short cruises as ranging from four to six nights and mid-length sailings as seven to nine nights, while longer cruises are 10 or more nights.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted, some of which have had little or no connection to Israel.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Guido Vianello Fight Card Results Microsoft Warns 240 Million Windows Users—Stop Using Your PC ‘NYT Mini’ Clues And Answers For Saturday, April 5 Price-Fundamentals Gap JPMorgan analysts have been tracking Tesla’s price-fundamentals gap for over a decade.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • From there, New York City sleuths tracked the cord brand to a local wholesaler, who had records of selling a quantity of it to a Manhattan upholsterer the day before the murder.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It can be reached by walking about a half-mile west on the unpaved upper trail from the western parking area at Black Miners Bar.
    Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Buy a peck from the shed or U-pick, visit the education center and butterfly garden, listen to live music, and follow the walking trails throughout the property.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Electric cars hit the roads and smart phones hit the stores.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The Chubs had a long road to this seemingly happy ending.
    Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Analysis By Liverpool correspondent Andy Jones All three of Liverpool’s key contract situations have taken different paths over the course of the season, and while Alexander-Arnold has chosen to not discuss it publicly, when Madrid are involved the noise is impossible to stop.
    David Ornstein, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • My mind would spin through the various dramas of the week, and then zoom out to broader existential musings about my life path.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The report details the state of the relics, which include her body, left arm and heart in Alba de Tormes.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There are precious antiques and everyday relics, among them dishware, gadgets, and appliances of every era.
    Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • To put it more directly: Iowa State, Colorado and Arizona better leave no shred of doubt in the remaining weeks of Big 12 play and the conference tournament to have a shot at March Madness.
    Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Trump’s contrived veneer is being ripped away to reveal an immoral, mendacious, transactional opportunist, without a shred of loyalty to anyone or anything but himself.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • There were other hints too: sensory issues common to people on the autism spectrum and their painful hyperawareness of other people’s micro-expressions and body language.
    Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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