TRAIL Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

trail 1 of 2

noun

Definition of trail

as in path

a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps took a trail through the woods to get to the main road

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Relevance

as in track

a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it the slugs left a slimy trail on the sidewalk

Synonyms & Similar Words

trail

2 of 2

verb

ˈtrāl

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

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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

At the behest of a mysterious client, the bounty hunter Paladin (Todd Stashwick) is on Vision’s trail, as is the aforementioned android (T’Nia Miller). — Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Today, the Heath is still one of the area’s biggest draws, with open fields, woods, ponds, and walking trails. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

Verb

There was a brief stretch during Game 7 of last year's World Series when the Dodgers were trailing and the Toronto Blue Jays had shorter live odds. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Republican Senate candidates are trailing in Texas and Ohio, while Alaska, Kansas and Iowa also appear to be in play for Democrats. — Ray Lewis, Baltimore Sun, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trail

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

Definition of path

Verb

Businesses that rediscover its values will gain what their velocity-chasing competitors cannot buy, borrow, or automate.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The settlers hurled stones with slings and set the groves on fire, chasing a group of journalists about 80 yards from the scene.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of chase

Noun

The 400-year span starts with the Lenape footpath and works its way up to today, when one of the last Bowery artists, Billy Sullivan, has painted the denizens as part of a massive installation of portraits.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026
But this one swept through Bright Angel Canyon, the site of one of the few footpaths that lead up the Gran Canyon’s North Rim.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of footpath

Noun

Previous studies relied on paleomagnetism, the study of residual magnetic traces in ancient rocks, since the orientation of those magnetic traces would have varied depending upon where that rock was located relative to Earth's magnetic field.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Rouse said traces of Garr's blood were found deep within the handle.

— Joe Holden, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of trace

Verb

That output would provide substantial manufacturing capacity as the company pursues a higher flight rate.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Investigators with the Police Department’s investigations unit and Real Time Crime Center spent the next two days gathering evidence and pursuing leads, Gaines said.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of pursue

Noun

Given the larger footprint and tech overhaul, expect a slight bump over the outgoing model's starting prices, which start at US$29,700, while the Tucson Hybrid begins at $31,300, before destination charges and depending on the pricing basis.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
The United States should instead defend a narrower set of core interests with a smaller military footprint, more diplomacy, more alternatives, and more partners.

— Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of footprint

Cite this Entry

Style

“Trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trail. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of trail

noun

verb

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