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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
Provide dashboards for security teams to trace why agents make specific choices. Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Dubbed FoundStock, the standard provides a clear and auditable system for tracing materials that were produced but never used. Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
His static, often distant camera has a trace of coldness to it too. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025 Even trace amounts of milk or cashew can cause symptoms like hives, vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Among them were countless era-defining releases that are still among the best movies ever made—of any genre—from the haunting Rebecca to the gripping Rear Window, and the ravishing Vertigo to the hair-raising Psycho.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Internally, the current workspace contained not only the visible text documents but also any custom words the user added to the dictionary and any additional tForth words defined in memory.
    Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Google Flights’ 2025 Travel Trends pinpoint the exact window for deals, pulling and tracking data from multiple airlines and travel agencies.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The story of the dishwasher tracks well with the general story of technological progress, but only up to a point.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To identify these tracks, the researchers manually analyzed thousands of images of the moon’s surface between 40° north and 40° south latitude, where sunlight makes the bright trails visible.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Other unbeatable autumn jaunts include the two-mile Phelps Lake Overlook route and the five-mile Flagg Canyon trail.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Pledges to give it all away A good friend of philanthropist Michael Milken who has raised billions of dollars for cancer research, Ellison believes the road to bliss is altruistic giving.
    Martine Paris, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Studies have also shown that the extra hour of daylight has resulted in safer roads, lower crime rates and economic benefits.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Since that meeting, during which allies expressed optimism of a path forward on security guarantees, no progress has materialized.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The advance gives sodium batteries a clearer path to compete with lithium.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Comets are among the most captivating wanderers of the solar system — icy relics from its earliest days that blaze across the sky with glowing tails and mysterious origins.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Investors and policymakers should brace for a world where 2% becomes a relic, not a reality.
    Bob Haber, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Its juicy pork filling is supplemented by lightly sweet vermicelli noodles and crunchy carrot shreds.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Many folks are familiar with a version of this that includes grapes, but usually the chicken is cut or chopped into more distinct pieces or shreds.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Check out our hints and answers right here.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • From cracks near its south pole, the moon blasts towering geysers of water vapor, ice and organic molecules into space, which are tantalizing hints of a hidden ocean that could, in theory, be habitable.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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