CHASE Synonyms: 231 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'chase' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chase are follow , pursue , and trail . While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running. // a dog chasing a cat

Q: When could 'follow' be used to replace 'chase'?

The words follow and chase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake. // friends followed me home in their car

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pursue' instead of 'chase'?

While the synonyms pursue and chase are close in meaning, pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain. // pursued the criminal through narrow streets

Q: When can 'trail' be used instead of 'chase'?

The synonyms trail and chase are sometimes interchangeable, but trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object. // trail deer // trailed a suspect across the country

chase 1 of 2

verb

Definition of chase next

as in to out

to drive or force out chased the cat out of the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pursue

to go after or on the track of a dog that likes to chase cars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hunt

to seek out (game) for food or sport owls often chase mice in the dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to race

to proceed or move quickly they chased all over the place to find the missing child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chase

2 of 2

noun

ˈchās

as in prey

an animal that is hunted or killed the gazelle is a favorite chase of lions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pursuit

the act of going after or in the tracks of another a high-speed car chase

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chase distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chase are follow, pursue, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When could follow be used to replace chase?

The words follow and chase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When is it sensible to use pursue instead of chase?

While the synonyms pursue and chase are close in meaning, pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When can trail be used instead of chase?

The synonyms trail and chase are sometimes interchangeable, but trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

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 chase

Verb

Once propelled by a genuine curiosity, it is now saddled with the impulse to chase after the styles and approaches of other properties, including moving like a dead-brain producer’s idea of the Battlestar Galactica reboot. —

Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 Officers chased Sides all the way to the 1700 block of Skyline Drive in Fort Worth. —

Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2025

Noun

The two officers give chase, and video footage shows the red Dodge racing down the road ahead of them into Sansom Park. —

Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2025 In a preview clip exclusive to Entertainment Weekly, Maddie and Josh (Bryan Safi) take a call that leads police sergeant Athena (Angela Bassett) on a wild goose chase. —

Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for chase

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chase

Verb

The athlete was outed by a teammate in a previous lawsuit.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Feb. 2025
In 2021, the publishers of a Catholic newsletter outed a priest by apparently accessing his Grindr activity through third-party channels.

— Samantha Riedel, Them, 5 Feb. 2025