TRACK Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'track' distinct from other similar nouns?

The words trace and vestige are common synonyms of track . While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," track implies a continuous line that can be followed. // the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

Q: When can 'trace' be used instead of 'track'?

In some situations, the words trace and track are roughly equivalent. However, trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect. // the killer left no traces

Q: Where would 'vestige' be a reasonable alternative to 'track'?

While in some cases nearly identical to track , 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

track 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrak

Definition of track next

as in trail

a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it a muddy track across the kitchen floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in path

a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps there was still a faint track through the underbrush that indicated where the path used to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in route

the direction along which something or someone moves I followed the track of the thief's eyes as he watched the woman put the money into her purse and walk away

Synonyms & Similar Words

track

2 of 2

verb

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of predators stealthily tracking their prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to traverse

to make one's way through, across, or over once upon a time, millions of buffalo tracked the wide open plains

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word track distinct from other similar nouns?

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

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When can trace be used instead of track?

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

the killer left no traces

Where would vestige be a reasonable alternative to track?

While in some cases nearly identical to track, 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 track

Noun

It is supposed to take full effect in a decade, though the auto industry is not on track to meet that ambitious goal. —

Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 But the world is not currently on track to meet these goals. —

Rachel Waldholz, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025

Verb

Cress doesn’t include her license number on her email or her website, making tracking down her credentials more difficult. —

Ashley Abramson, Allure, 22 Jan. 2025 The team also tracked down a second upland moa coprolite that was housed in a museum. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for track

Recent Examples of Synonyms for track

Noun

Videos captured a giant red-orange fireball, followed by an eerie trail of smoke and burning debris.

— Ray Sanchez and Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
The largest of the seven cabins currently houses a gym, with other amenities including a pair of hot tubs, ponds, and hiking and cross-country ski trails throughout the estate.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025