track 1 of 2

1
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

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
The track itself has nothing to do with the country star — or even really making love. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025 The project, created under tight deadlines and with hobby-grade parts, is now on track for wider military use. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
ReHeardle tracks your statistics too. Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Four residents reported sobriety as a success for the year, but that data isn’t tracked for every resident, according to McGinnis-Brown. Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for track
Recent Examples of Synonyms for track
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
  • 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
  • In addition to optimizing queries, Espresso routes queries between different compute clusters to maximize efficiency.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The location of the firearm appears to match the suspect's route of travel, the sources said.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These calls -- known as swatting -- panicked at least a dozen schools as police rush to campuses, chasing phantom threats with many of them being racially motivated and targeting historically Black colleges and universities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • To be sure, more mutual fund companies are going to be chasing those assets on the precipice of a huge decision from the Securities and Exchange Commission which could allow every asset management company to offer an ETF share class of their funds.
    Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The book traverses the story of these relationships elegantly.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Designated a National Historic Landmark, this remarkable route spans more than 64 miles of unspoiled wilderness, traversing the majestic scenery of Colorado and New Mexico.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Finding the right green brought its own challenges as the team had to find a color that would not only neutralize redness, but also work on all skin tones—even people who didn’t have flushing or redness, blending into the skin without leaving Elphaba-like traces behind.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • During that time, even microscopic traces of infected blood on a school desk or playground equipment can pose a risk.
    Kff Health News, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The protest group responsible for the banner on Windsor Castle’s footpath is called Everyone Hates Elon.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Accessibility and Sustainability Gravel footpaths and uneven stone walkways mean this isn’t the most accessible property, though there is a room specifically designed for wheelchair users.
    Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Financial reports, client data, or confidential business information can be uploaded in ways that sidestep official security and AI policies, often neutralizing safeguards intended to keep information safe.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Selena Gomez’s Emmys 2025 manicure was barely there, in the best way.
    Grace McCarty, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Track.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/track. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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