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Definition of tracenext
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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
The spokesperson confirms that ATF agents will be focused specifically on tracing the gun or weapons used by the suspect. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026 The Marshals traced the comments back to Peterson's Minnetonka address. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
However, researchers have been unable to find a trace of BPC in the human genome, meaning it’s not made by humans, said Katrin Svensson, a peptide scientist at Stanford University. — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Either way, scientists anticipate finding traces of Mars on Phobos, making the samples an irresistible two-for-one that should help demystify planetary and moon formation, and perhaps even the recipe for life. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Get timely insight into the cases, rulings, and constitutional questions defining America’s legal landscape.
    — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The postwar model of a large welfare and regulatory state, run by a class of civil servants charged with modernizing the economy, tempering market forces and defining the common good, has run its course.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Engagement is often seen as a metric about sentiment that can be measured and tracked, but is treated as something employees bring—or fail to bring—to their jobs.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The country has no official state mechanism dedicated to tracking antisemitic incidents, leaving community organizations to document cases and prompting concerns that many experiences are never formally recorded.
    — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In January 2024, a landslide above the railroad sent soil and debris crashing onto the tracks at Mariposa Point, destroying the city’s pedestrian bridge and beach trail and temporarily interrupting rail service.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Every change was recorded in the subscription history, giving support a clear billing trail.
    — Kashif Saleem, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At the height of the incident, DeKalb fire crews blocked two right lanes of I-85 southbound and the entire access road next to it.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Wildcats improved to 6-1 with a win at Oklahoma, which marks their third road win in the conference.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s relief in his escape but the path has left him feeling scorned, too.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Detours and shortcuts in the brain The cells and synapses of the brain aren’t arranged in rigid, linear paths for each task and experience.
    — Sean Mccabe, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Theranos is, in many ways, a cautionary tale and a relic of 2010s Silicon Valley.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Our leaders should retire a relic that endangers people and animals alike, and retire, once and for all, the small and nasty politics used to defend it.
    — Al Sharpton, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • With every word, these leaders shed another shred of dignity.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There’s yet to be a shred of evidence that Belichick can build and guide North Carolina’s roster into the kind of behemoth that can go on the road in the ACC, play poorly and win by double digits while barely being threatened with a loss.
    — David Ubben, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That question motivated Clark to better understand aging among plants and animals and to look for hints to extend humans' lifespan.
    — KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Until this glorious fall Saturday afternoon gave way to the hints of early evening, Indiana football — once the losingest team in all of college football — hadn’t tasted their ordinary helping of defeat for 666 days.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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