trail 1 of 2

trail

2 of 2

verb

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 trail
Noun
Bates bumps into Ruzek and Severide who were hot on the suspects’ trail before losing them. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 The first part of the trail is narrow, with a steep drop that forced me to look ahead instead of writing in my notebook. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
Halftime report The Kings trailed by as many as 14 in the first quarter and 19 in the second. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025 Had Boston’s headliners converted those foul shots, the Celtics would have trailed by eight with just under 17 minutes remaining. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for trail 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trail
Noun
  • The Best Kids Books of 2024: Great Reads Including Books on Wicked and Taylor Swift The author particularly wants to empower kids whose journey may follow an unexpected path, just like his own.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • This season, Kansas City went 15-2 and earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye and an easier path to the Super Bowl than Buffalo.
    Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This list includes Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia, alongside midfield duo Gavi and Pedri — the latter two are in talks over extending their deals, with conversations with 22-year-old Pedri progressing well and on track for a long-term commitment.
    Pol Ballús, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • While the sultry track showcases the group’s evolution and maturity, the single doesn’t stray far from their signature R&B sound.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • No UConn women’s basketball signees make McDonald’s All-American team; Huskies still chasing No. 4 prospect CT could see more snow this week, according to National Weather Service.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Though fans would likely love another showdown between Pereira, the light heavyweight champion is chasing a much bigger legacy fight.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The property is adjacent to the unspoiled Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, featuring natural dunes and white sand beaches, which can be reached in just 5 minutes via a footpath from the property.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The Haudenosaunee Nation moved into the area and used the footpaths and trail systems.
    Gary Stoller, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Police had searched repeatedly for any trace of Dee Warner, but found no sign of her dead or alive, and no signs of violence.
    Sarah Prior, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Even after the last traces of the storm are gone, though, many throughout the south will be forced to deal with vehicle damage.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Despite Colombia’s reliance on American spending, Petro has pursued controversial diplomatic pursuits that often run counter to Washington’s geopolitical agenda.
    Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • But there's a ton of science to do first: NASA is currently pursuing innovations in the air, food, water, power, shelter, spacesuits, and communications that astronauts will need.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The edgy Portland Art Museum will unveil major renovations later this year, including an interactive experience and intuitive user pathways.
    Amanda Calnan Vowels, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2025
  • However, many of the people who came to the U.S. using those legal pathways could also be at risk of deportation, because of other actions the Trump administration has taken.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • By late afternoon, crews working on the Lilac fire in Bonsall had drawn a containment line around 50 percent of the fire’s footprint.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Scientists can learn a lot about extinct animals by studying their footprints, bones and even teeth.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near trail

Cite this Entry

“Trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trail. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trail

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