track 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrak How to pronounce track (audio)
Definition of tracknext
1
as in trail
a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it a muddy track across the kitchen floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

1
as in to chase
to go after or on the track of predators stealthily tracking their prey

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to traverse
to make one's way through, across, or over once upon a time, millions of buffalo tracked the wide open plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
One way to stay on track is by automating monthly contributions from your checking account — 15% of your income is ideal, but even a smaller amount is a good start, especially earlier in life. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025 As is always the case with her stylistic adventures, the instrumental backing on the track is painstakingly authentic. — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
Over the past several decades, researchers had tracked a steady pattern of religious decline. — Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2025 Employee confidence increased in fewer than half (10) of the 24 sectors tracked by Glassdoor in February, including health care, which has been responsible for a significant share of job gains in recent months. — Courtenay Brown, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
  1. trail
  2. path
  3. route
  4. chase
  5. traverse
  6. trace
  7. footpath
  8. way
Noun
  • Special Birding Trails About 200 miles of trails makes up The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail along Alabama's Gulf coast.
    — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Although the golden retriever has long settled into his new home in New York, his tear-jerking farewell is still leaving a trail of dewy-eyed viewers in its wake.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of trail
Noun
  • News filtered through of Vinicius Junior missing a penalty, but with no further goal flashes, the conversations about who was most wanted in the next round boiled down to Real bringing the glamour Arsenal have so missed, but Atletico maybe providing a less daunting path to the next round.
    — Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Spanning just over half a mile, the flat and scenic path eased us into what soon became more challenging, but no less beautiful, terrain.
    — Lori Rackl, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of path
Noun
  • Liverpool’s fixture list isn’t the kindest Liverpool blank in Gameweek 29 means selling Salah (£13.8m) is an easy route to buying Erling Haaland (£14.7m), who looks to be the best captain for the next two gameweeks as Manchester City host Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City.
    — Abdul Rehman, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The travelers generally spent a lot of time budgeting and planning the routes for the trip to be the most efficient for time and outlay.
    — Michele Robson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of route
Verb
  • Equally, especially after letdowns in the Champions League and the cup competitions, Díaz has more dreams to chase at Anfield, knowing that head coach Arne Slot’s promising project remains in the embryonic stages.
    — Henry Flynn, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Beckford had just been chased from the scene of a drug-den murder.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of chase
Verb
  • About 4% of the world’s maritime trade and more than 40% of US container traffic traverses the canal.
    — Juliana Liu, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • On his new album, Lonesome Drifter, out Friday (March 14), Charley Crockett traverses new career territory while simultaneously nodding to his roots.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of traverse
Noun
  • Add the flour and stir very gently until no traces of it remain. 4: Swipe a large pat of butter over the hot pan to coat it generously.
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In Panem, the setting for The Hunger Games which is a fictional post-apocalyptic version of North America, even Katniss and Peeta view a Capitol-cut version of Haymitch's games 25 years later, with no trace of the rebel plan detailed in this novel.
    — Dhanika Pineda, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of trace
Noun
  • The footpath, officially completed in 1937 with the help of Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the Great Depression, has since become a haven for hikers, offering a respite from modern life.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • However, many locales around the world don't allow e-unis on public roads, footpaths or even bike lanes, restricting their use to private land or maybe business parks and university campuses with permission.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of footpath
Noun
  • Toscano: That’s a decision that’s, like, way above our pay grade.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
  • As Betty gets into a cab, the couple, too, enter a car to presumably make their way to the city.
    — Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of way

Phrases Containing track

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Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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