PURSUE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of pursue are chase , follow , and trail . While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain. // pursued the criminal through narrow streets

Q: When might 'chase' be a better fit than 'pursue'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursue , chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running. // a dog chasing a cat

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

The synonyms follow and pursue are sometimes interchangeable, but follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake. // friends followed me home in their car

Q: When would 'trail' be a good substitute for 'pursue'?

In some situations, the words trail and pursue are roughly equivalent. However, trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object. // trail deer // trailed a suspect across the country

pursue

verb

pər-ˈsü

Definition of pursue next

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of the policeman doggedly pursued the pickpocket through the crowded subway station

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to seek

to go in search of urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pursue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pursue are chase, follow, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When might chase be a better fit than pursue?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursue, 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 pursue?

The synonyms follow and pursue are sometimes interchangeable, but follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When would trail be a good substitute for pursue?

In some situations, the words trail and pursue are roughly equivalent. However, 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 pursue When her friends encourage her to pursue Roxster, the idea is plausible not just because Zellweger is still luminously endearing in midlife, but because the world really has changed: Women can date men a decade or more younger without inciting mass hysteria. —

Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 The event, which is free of charge, welcomes college students and professionals interested in pursuing a career in education. —

Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Like similar lawsuits the county has pursued against gun and opioid manufacturers, Lawson-Remer suggests monetary damages could help fund both county education campaigns and behavioral-health treatment. —

Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 The corporation had been pursuing a merger with Kroger Co., which operates Fry’s Food Stores in Arizona, until a federal judge and another in Washington state blocked the deal. —

Russ Wiles, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pursue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue

Verb

There's several variations but there's a big one that moves after the little one that appears to be chasing it....

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025
But Barkley didn’t join the Eagles to chase records.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025