vestige

noun

ˈve-stij How to pronounce vestige (audio)
Definition of vestigenext
1
as in relic
a tiny often physical indication of something lost or vanished a few strange words carved on a tree were the only vestige of the lost colony of Roanoke

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot the fossilized vestige of a dinosaur that traversed that muddy landscape millions of years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vestige distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and track are common synonyms of vestige. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," 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

When could trace be used to replace vestige?

In some situations, the words trace and vestige are roughly equivalent. However, trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

Where would track be a reasonable alternative to vestige?

While the synonyms track and vestige are close in meaning, track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

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 vestige Making Juneteenth a national holiday is the closest our country has gotten to acknowledging the truth about enslavement and its vestiges. — Marcus Anthony Hunter, Time, 19 June 2026 Our main point is that the instant amplification of these acts, often with inaccurate context, implies that vestiges of the Klan are roaming Chicago streets. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 Bartlett’s character is like a rock slab, a vestige of an ancient religion, brought to life in overlapping strips of muslin, linen, and leather in shades of dove, cream, gray, and pale blue, with his hood pulled tight around his face and his hands wrapped in mittens. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 For anyone wanting to see or experience the sites and vestiges of Miami’s ancient inhabitants, the people known as Tequesta and their even more enigmatic Archaic forebears, there are only a few places to go. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vestige
  1. relic
  2. footstep
  3. trace
  4. footprint
  5. remnant
Noun
  • There are also permanent upgrades to health and attack power, as well as rare relics that enable unique skills, like multiple jumps.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Museum of Miami The Museum of Miami, formerly HistoryMiami, holds the relics and artifacts that were excavated at the Miami Circle.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of relic
Noun
  • Eliana is following in her mom’s footsteps, pursuing musical theater herself.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • With his visit, Leo followed in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who made the plight of migrants and refugees a priority of his pontificate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of footstep
Noun
  • Foad adds that the idea of eliminating toxins comes from sweat washing away trace amounts of heavy metals from the skin, rather than flushing toxins from inside the body.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • When its inevitable end arrives, the sun’s core will exhaust the last traces of hydrogen fuel and kick off the first stellar death pangs.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
Definition of trace
Noun
  • Its designs were suited to its urban New England market — three stories high with a narrow footprint.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • While cementing his handprints and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre last June, Bardem thanked his wife and children for standing by him throughout his career.
    — Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of footprint
Noun
  • Although astronomers are pretty sure there is a neutron star in the heart of the remnant based on indirect evidence, no pulsar radio emissions have yet been detected.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 6 July 2026
  • But beyond these genetic remnants, the exact nature of any interactions between our species and Neanderthals is much more of a mystery.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 6 July 2026
Definition of remnant

Browse Nearby Words

vestibules
vestige
vestiges
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Cite this Entry

“Vestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestige. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vestige

Nglish: Translation of vestige for Spanish Speakers

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