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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
The diverse cultures of Kansas City come together in this parade in the form of lowriders, high-energy drill teams , drum corps and floats packed with families who trace their roots to Ireland. The Kansas City Star and, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025 The other half of my heritage traces back to Igbo culture, originating from Southeast Nigeria, a country famous for its bronze and terracotta art, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant Afrobeats scene. Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
In the original visual, the Grammy winner plays a heartbroken character named Peaches who has all traces of her ex wiped from her hippocampus, an homage to Michel Gondry’s 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025 Oliveira’s films shudder with the mighty currents of history, whether long-ago conflicts that leave their traces in cities or ones, in Portugal or elsewhere, that leave their marks in living memory. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Her makeup followed the Gothic theme with dark smoky eyes and defined features.
    Renan Botelho, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But their ability to play is also defined by the colleagues working inside them.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The car sped away, and a police helicopter tracked down the vehicle.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Snow White had been tracking to open at $50 million, although Disney had been conservative in putting out a range of $45 million and $55 million.
    Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Stops along the trail will highlight the surrounding forest, the bordering Mountain Island Lake, the cotton plantation fields and the plantation farmstead and include signs providing information and historical context.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Enjoy the views of the canyons below from the rim trail, or take the 2.5-mile loop trail to see canyons one through nine.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The back-bone contusion that prematurely ended his 2024-25 campaign after 30 games stemmed from a fall during a Mar. 19 road win vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves.
    Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Foreign assistance has started to arrive, but efforts have been stifled by buckled roads, collapsed bridges and downed cell towers.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But Giddens herself has often experienced her own career as a lonely, even alienating exercise in trying to carve an industry path that barely previously existed.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Ariane 6 and Vega C are costly, lack a path to reusability, and aren't geared to match SpaceX's blistering launch cadence.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The report details the state of the relics, which include her body, left arm and heart in Alba de Tormes.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There are precious antiques and everyday relics, among them dishware, gadgets, and appliances of every era.
    Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s contrived veneer is being ripped away to reveal an immoral, mendacious, transactional opportunist, without a shred of loyalty to anyone or anything but himself.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
  • When the last shreds of sunlight vanish, everyone pulls their car up to the field and turns on their headlights.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Looking for Saturday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone, so be sure to check back with Newsweek daily for more hints, clues and answers.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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