trajectory

noun

Definition of trajectorynext
as in path
the curved course along which something (such as a rocket) moves through the air or through space the trajectory of the missile

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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 trajectory The positions of the players, ball trajectory and player paths were determined using custom software created by The Times. — Bedel Saget, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Mary Mahoney, a historian and podcaster, also explains her career trajectory via American Girl. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 2026 For pitchers bouncing between organizations, one rough outing can change the trajectory of an entire season, and that seems to have been the case with former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Austin Voth. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 College athletics have also opened educational opportunities for generations of young Americans through scholarships and NIL (Name Image and Likeness) deals that have changed the trajectory of entire families. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trajectory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trajectory
  1. path
  2. route
  3. steps
  4. arc
  5. orbit
  6. way
  7. ascent
  8. track
Noun
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Infosys chose that path, committing to retrain more than 250,000 staff instead of pursuing mass layoffs.
    — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of path
Noun
  • The new proposal for the future of the global commercial shipping route was first reported by The New York Times, citing an Iranian official and four diplomats with knowledge of the matter.
    — Abigail Williams, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • Reynolds was on her USPS route when the incident happened, Postal Inspector Jessica Adams told USA TODAY.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of route
Noun
  • Despite this, 17% of prospective homebuyers have not taken any steps to improve their credit score ahead of a purchase, the survey showed.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • From bringing back college football to taking major steps with Madden franchise mode, the developer/publisher is delivering solid virtual gridiron experiences.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of steps
Noun
  • There’s also some reflection on how the arc of this transformation of television has gradually bent back towards the old ways.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 6 July 2026
  • John Oliver’s explosive three-episode arc on General Hospital started with a bang, and is going out with a slap.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
Definition of arc
Noun
  • In 1988, Momand — then a 29‑year‑old air force pilot — was selected to join a Soviet space program designed to send representatives from aligned nations into orbit, at a time when Afghanistan was under Soviet control.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • Those four astronauts are due in 2027 to fly to Earth orbit in a critical mission testing docking capabilities with two commercial lunar landers.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of orbit
Noun
  • Ahead, everything to know about this beachside favorite, along with refreshing ways to style this timeless look all summer long.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • Still, the way the ordinance is worded also prohibits teaching yoga for free, Pease pointed out.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • The talent agency handles the careers of many of the world’s biggest actors, athletes and influencers, some of the very people whose livelihoods are most threatened by the creeping ascent of AI.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
  • Pogacar thanked Del Toro for his efforts in the final ascent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of ascent
Noun
  • This week, Madonna time travels back to the Eighties and dances the night away at a famous discotheque, R&B crooner Destin Conrad dives into reggae rhythms, and Rico Nasty teams back up with Kenneth Blume for a glittery new track.
    — Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Fans were originally split along the side of the hotel and in a pavilion across the street, with several cops asking them to stay away from the streetcar tracks and to allow cars to pass.
    — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of track

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trajectories
trajectory
tram
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Cite this Entry

“Trajectory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trajectory. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trajectory

Nglish: Translation of trajectory for Spanish Speakers

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