Synonyms of trail

trail 1 of 2

noun

1

as in path

a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps

took a trail through the woods to get to the main road

Synonyms & Similar Words

• path
• footpath
• pathway
• track
• road
• walkway
• trace
• route
• street
• passageway
• roadway
• alley
• thoroughfare
• alleyway
• lane
• towpath
• bridle path
• shortcut
• byway
• run
• cutoff
• pass
• runway
• passage
• bypath
• row
• byroad
• bystreet

2

as in track

a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it

the slugs left a slimy trail on the sidewalk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• track
• trace
• path
• footprint
• residue
• sign
• residual
• imprint
• footstep
• tread
• reminder
• evidence
• scent
• rut
• step
• shadow
• remnant
• print
• artifact
• indication
• remainder
• leavings
• clue
• spoor
• hoofprint
• pug
• token
• footmark
• lead
• telltale
• cue
• vestige
• inkling
• relic
• suggestion
• hint
• intimation
• whiff
• remain(s)

trail

2 of 2

verb

ˈtrāl 

as in to track

to go after or on the track of

we trailed our friend into the woods, inadvertently spoiling his plans for a solitary hike

Synonyms & Similar Words

• track
• chase
• pursue
• follow
• trace
• escort
• course
• tail
• dog
• accompany
• tag
• shadow
• hound
• run after
• run
• bird-dog
• watch
• hunt
• seek
• eye
• search (for)
• observe
• chaperon
• chaperone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trail distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of trail are chase, follow, and pursue. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

When would chase be a good substitute for trail?

While in some cases nearly identical to trail, chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When is it sensible to use follow instead of trail?

The meanings of follow and trail largely overlap; however, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

Where would pursue be a reasonable alternative to trail?

The words pursue and trail can be used in similar contexts, but pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

Examples of trail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the trail crew responsible for his rescue and his mother paint a more dire picture of Schock's state. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024

The trail crew contacted a helicopter to airlift Schock to a waiting ambulance. —David Chiu, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2024

Verb

The bottom line: The overall state of the race remains close — Harris still trails Biden's 2020 numbers for key demographics — and there's still time for momentum to shift yet again. —Torey Van Oot, Axios, 4 Sep. 2024

At the close of the first video, Tyla speeds off into the night after a long day of being trailed in her car by an obsessive ex. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2024