Synonyms of vestige

vestige

noun

ˈve-stij 

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

• relic
• trace
• remnant
• artifact
• echo
• shadow
• ghost
• reminder
• memento
• remembrance
• corpse
• rest
• remainder
• residual
• afterimage
• residue
• leftover
• aftertaste
• remain(s)
• hangover
• scrap
• leavings
• balance
• oddment
• dreg(s)

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

• footstep
• footprint
• trace
• step
• footmark
• track
• hoofprint
• tread
• pug
• spoor

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vestige

Despite the last vestiges of its battery having been drained, suddenly, from somewhere, there was a spark of life. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2025

The weaponization of the police by certain citizens remains one of the unspoken ways this institution can be used to enforce not just the law, but also the vestiges of white supremacy. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025

Last month, the city gave Bally’s the green light to resume razing the remaining vestiges of the Freedom Center. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

Critics say the asset seizures are also undermining the last vestiges of Russia’s rule of law. —Nataliya Vasilyeva, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

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