vestige

noun

ˈve-stij How to pronounce vestige (audio)
Definition of vestigenext
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

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

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 Again, this is a sort of vestige of the Venetians, and [a result of] our being put on the spice trail by the Venetians. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 All that can be seen of the building now is the vestiges of its foundations. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 These beautiful, intrepid, witty and irrepressible young women and men are living witnesses to the destruction of the last vestiges of the dream of freedom of expression in Russia. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 As with many vestiges of the past, this myth is both a blessing and a curse. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vestige
  1. relic
  2. footstep
  3. trace
  4. footprint
  5. remnant
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
Definition of relic
Noun
  • Mary Ann, who declined to give her last name for her safety, eventually became a Baptist minister, following in her father’s footsteps.
    — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Presley Gerber followed his mom's footsteps into modeling, being signed by IMG Models at 15 years old and walking runway shows for brands including Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of footstep
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
Noun
  • Solid-state conversion would mean smaller footprints, fewer conversion stages and less copper.
    — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Reiffers has set an ambitious growth target for Mazarine, aiming to double revenue within the next five years while expanding its international footprint.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of footprint
Noun
  • Coastal communities in Southern California began to experience dangerous conditions over Labor Day weekend with the remnants of Hurricane Marie.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought nearly 10 inches of rain to parts of North Carolina on Saturday, creating flash floods, landslides and tornados.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of remnant

Browse Nearby Words

vestibules
vestige
vestiges
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Cite this Entry

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

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