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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
Fantastic creatures Cave paintings have helped researchers trace the mysterious origins of the European bison, which markedly changed in appearance between 22,000 and 17,000 years ago. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025 Even when transactions are obfuscated, pre- and post-mix analysis allows investigators to trace movements once funds interact with exchanges or identifiable wallets. Becca Bratcher, Forbes, 21 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
  • Speed, reliability and usability will define success.
    Mehdi Daoudi, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • As usual, there are trendy bikinis and swimsuits that always ask for space in our closet, little tops meant to save us from the rising temperatures, and the kind of light floral dresses and skirts that define the season.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • From there, New York City sleuths tracked the cord brand to a local wholesaler, who had records of selling a quantity of it to a Manhattan upholsterer the day before the murder.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Guido Vianello Fight Card Results Microsoft Warns 240 Million Windows Users—Stop Using Your PC ‘NYT Mini’ Clues And Answers For Saturday, April 5 Price-Fundamentals Gap JPMorgan analysts have been tracking Tesla’s price-fundamentals gap for over a decade.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to the resort, Kirkwood Ski Patrol also responded to the medical incident, which happened on an intermediate trail for snowboarders with more experience.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Hitting the live trail throughout June, Corgan will be joined by his new band, the Machines of God, for the 16-date tour of North America.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 1 Apr. 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
  • While the pandemic may have served as clarifying for Lamont, child care and preschool advocates have been building the road to this moment for much longer.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Considering their remaining schedules, there’s a practical path to the Warriors moving into the third or fourth spot.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In a world where many leaders feel compelled to perform—mirroring what’s expected rather than leading from within—Piyush chose another path.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 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
  • To put it more directly: Iowa State, Colorado and Arizona better leave no shred of doubt in the remaining weeks of Big 12 play and the conference tournament to have a shot at March Madness.
    Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Looking for Thursday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • There are hints in the poll that Trump’s pledge to cut government spending may be resonating.
    Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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