TRACK Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

track 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrak

Definition of track

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

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

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

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of predators stealthily tracking their prey

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Still, the best track on Alchemical Sisters is the one that feels the least referential. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026 The 11-track set finds the Scottish trio of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty turning a more pointed eye toward British identity and the country’s darker social realities. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Verb

The trial is continuing to track participants’ longer-term outcomes. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 The South is catching up to those numbers quickly, said Rivers, who closely tracks the flu through her Force of Infection newsletter. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for track

Recent Examples of Synonyms for track

Noun

In January 2024, a landslide above the railroad sent soil and debris crashing onto the tracks at Mariposa Point, destroying the city’s pedestrian bridge and beach trail and temporarily interrupting rail service.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Every change was recorded in the subscription history, giving support a clear billing trail.

— Kashif Saleem, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of trail

Noun

Plans also incorporate a 10-foot-wide paved side path along the school side of the corridor, providing a separated walking and biking trail.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Baltzor, and hired riders, had to hoof it through heavy smoke into the mountains to extract their cattle from the path of the fires.

— Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of path

Noun

If a prescription costs $500 through insurance but $100 through Cost Plus Drugs, patients should be able to take the cheaper route and have that spending count toward their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

— Emma Witman, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Fewer people pay directly for medical care, and government heavily subsidizes demand without increasing supply, a sure route to higher prices.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of route

Verb

Rather than chasing fancy titles or splashy paychecks throughout her career, she’s gravitated toward jobs that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to take risks, and taught her to embrace a little chaos.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
At Fox, the viewer is the star, or at least the north star, the thing that everyone is chasing.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of chase

Verb

That certainly is the case traversing from the old 13th District to the new one.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Set on a mysterious island ravaged by floods and warring armies, a masked boy and girl must traverse atmospheric environments, rescue friends, and confront nightmarish monsters.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of traverse

Noun

Either way, scientists anticipate finding traces of Mars on Phobos, making the samples an irresistible two-for-one that should help demystify planetary and moon formation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Its proximity to Mars means there is a chance MMX might scoop up traces of the red planet itself that rained down on Phobos after its formation or capture.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of trace

Noun

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,190-mile footpath across the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026
The 400-year span starts with the Lenape footpath and works its way up to today, when one of the last Bowery artists, Billy Sullivan, has painted the denizens as part of a massive installation of portraits.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of footpath

Noun

There are few households in Israel that haven’t been affected in some way by the events that have played out since, leaving a sense of profound grief and insecurity that lingers across the Israeli society.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
The second-year fifth-round pick started at the MIKE spot and handled green-dot responsibilities on his way to recording six tackles and being active throughout the night.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of way

Browse Nearby Words

tracing

track

track (down)

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of track

noun

verb

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Synonyms of track

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

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Phrases Containing track

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