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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 show opens with a handful of personal objects tracing Pavarotti’s unlikely path from Belém, a port city on the edge of the Amazon, to Paris. — Alison S. Cohn, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 Withholding his feelings and observations from family and lovers while sharing them with the outside world, Chen traces variations of longing and desire. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
While natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, some companies sell concentrated or synthetic forms of the compound under brand names such as Magic 7OH and 7 O’Heaven for as little as $4 a pop. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026 The search Later that day, with no trace of the team, Thomson and Gordon — the two security advisers in Kyiv — began a desperate search. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Many are calling for tougher measures — part of a broader rightward shift across Latin America, where security has become a defining political issue.
    — Carrie Kahn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Abdy and De Luca represent a filmmaking approach that isn’t solely defined by sequels and CGI.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Advances in electrical power systems, tracking technology, beam control and compact high-energy lasers are making the concept increasingly practical.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • When a typical sisterly argument leads to doll Isabel getting damaged, human Ruth takes her on the road to track down La Fabricante (The Dollmaker).
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, popular trails like Laguna de los Tres in Los Glaciares National Park can feel like a stampede at the height of summer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But critics have warned the gloves will give ICE another weapon to intimidate and brutalize people even as the agency is under fire for excessive force that has left a trail of deaths and injuries across the nation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Russian assaults since Thursday have forced the full or partial closure of three of Kyiv's six road bridges, suspending traffic and causing tailbacks in the Ukrainian capital.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese, Russian troops train together The PLA contingent traveled to Russia by road, rail and air and participated in the preparatory phase alongside forces from Russia, Belarus, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Tajikistan.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The path of regulation In 2022, the Congressional Budget Office distilled decades of health care policy fights into a single PowerPoint slide.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Moderate flooding of sea water is possibly over some vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially around the morning and evening high tides, including over beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • By 2000, the industry was a relic of an earlier era and on its last legs.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Yet the name is also a relic — the legacy of Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack, the last of whom passed away nearly 50 years ago.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Without a shred of evidence, Cloud casually weaponized domestic violence allegations against a fan who was simply cheering for his home team.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Though some concept drawings were released by the company shortly after the project began in 2008, more recent renditions have been little more than hints showing the craft as an outline in the haze, with only the nose and cockpit showing clearly.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Though Kid Rock has not yet discussed his new album — or his relationship with Allen — beyond a brief Instagram post, past comments might offer a hint into his decision to include someone who’s been all but banished from the country music industry.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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