vestige

1
as in relic
a tiny often physical indication of something lost or vanished a few strange words carved on a tree were the only vestige of the lost colony of Roanoke

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot the fossilized vestige of a dinosaur that traversed that muddy landscape millions of years ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word vestige distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and track are common synonyms of vestige. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," 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

When could trace be used to replace vestige?

In some situations, the words trace and vestige are roughly equivalent. However, trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

Where would track be a reasonable alternative to vestige?

While the synonyms track and vestige are close in meaning, track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

Examples 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 vestige The Constitution’s pardon power is a vestige of a bygone time. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 7 Dec. 2024 Helena, the state capital, remains a small vestige of the Old West, with just 34,000 residents, so luring doctors has always been a challenge. J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024 However, a vestige of the pre-Trump GOP such as Haley would have to contend with the party's new MAGA image. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 These policies, among others, were not designed to benefit Black people but to level the playing field by protecting Black Americans from racist vestiges of the Jim Crow era. Michael Collins, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vestige 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vestige
Noun
  • The existing wallpaper was a relic of the former tenant’s penchant for drama and glamour.
    Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Instead, there’s an honor system — just take a drink, leave a donation and soak up the relics of a bygone era.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Fresh on the heels of six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick following in the footsteps of Hall-of-Famer and heading back to college to coach a less-than-powerful program, another legendary NFL figure is reportedly considering manning the sidelines for an NCAA football team.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • In August, Evan took to the skies in a helicopter for the first time by himself, following in the footsteps of his mom, an aviation enthusiast and chopper pilot.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Despite his absence, traces of Margraff’s influence abound.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Mobarak later took the painting of the red seat and cast it in mycelium so that only traces of it remain visible.
    Mariana Fernández, ARTnews.com, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Big vehicles with big environmental footprints Heavy trucks have an outsized effect on both climate change and human health.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The product is sold without packaging to reduce its environmental footprint.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Then, the attackers tossed the remnants of the bodies down a 49.2-foot (15-meter) natural shaft linked to a cave system.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Minority groups, including Druze, Christians and Alawite populations, also composed a southern rebel alliance that helped defeat Assad, and a big question remains as to how the new opposition forces in power will treat the remnants of Assad’s Ba’ath party.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near vestige

Cite this Entry

“Vestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestige. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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