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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

Examples 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
Last year, ProPublica looked at inflation through the lens of the humble automobile tire, tracing the raw materials from a rubber plantation in Southeast Asia to a repair shop in Mississippi to try to answer the question: Why are prices so high? ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2024 In Her Words, a documentary tracing the rapper’s often turbulent last few years. Nick Remsen, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
Meanwhile, nearly every trace of Ohtani’s former team has been mercilessly scrubbed from the city. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 This can take up to eight hours but will help remove trace odors that attract the animal back to the same spot to urinate. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trace 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • The top-line equipment list is complemented by elements that define luxury.
    James Raia, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Trump’s first administration, which included two impeachments, was defined by his penchant for smashing norms.
    Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Harbinger Motors is backed by venture capital money, with $100 million funded to date and another $82 million expected to scale-up production, according to Harris and Crunchbase, which tracks funding data for startups.
    Pat Maio, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The researchers also used another variable — belief in New Age philosophy — to see if that would track with attitudes about the paranormal.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • One tester used this headlamp to pedal up and ride down a wooded single-track trail after work.
    Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Go early to beat the crowds inevitably seeking relief in the cool creek at the Crack, which comes at the end of the 3.5-mile trail.
    Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • These plans outline how a forest will be managed — like logging parameters, species protections, restoration projects and road maintenance.
    April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Smith also did not dress for road games last month against the Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, and the Utah Hockey Club.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Refuse to let outside influences steer you down the wrong path.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Surprisingly, two of the three rats chose to take the less efficient path of turning away from the reward and running to the car to drive to their Froot Loop destination.
    Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Remakes and remasters proliferate year after year, some expected like Resident Evil, others long overdue like The Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver, and still others shocking, like the PlayStation 1 era platforming relic Croc: Legend Of The Gobbos.
    Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
  • But Andrew is more symbol than great character — a significant time-capsule relic slightly diminished by the fortunate evolution of human thinking about sexuality and AIDS. 14.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Hundreds of people have been reported missing, perhaps unable to leave their location or unable to contact family where communications infrastructure is in shreds.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024
  • The story picks up in a military bunker in the Everglades, where the last shreds of humanity have gathered in search of safety.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Born on TikTok, this is an ideal choice for fall/winter thanks to its cool undertones; deep berry hues offer a hint of blue that adds a head-turning pop to any autumnal beauty look.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Think velvet bows, toile ornaments, and hints of soft pastels to bring the historical elegance to life.
    Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near trace

Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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