PURSUE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pursue' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pursue are chase , follow , and trail . While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain. // pursued the criminal through narrow streets

Q: When might 'chase' be a better fit than 'pursue'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursue , 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 'pursue'?

The synonyms follow and pursue are sometimes interchangeable, but follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake. // friends followed me home in their car

Q: When would 'trail' be a good substitute for 'pursue'?

In some situations, the words trail and pursue are roughly equivalent. However, trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object. // trail deer // trailed a suspect across the country

pursue

verb

pər-ˈsü

Definition of pursue next

as in to chase

to go after or on the track of the policeman doggedly pursued the pickpocket through the crowded subway station

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to seek

to go in search of urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pursue distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pursue are chase, follow, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When might chase be a better fit than pursue?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursue, 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 pursue?

The synonyms follow and pursue are sometimes interchangeable, but follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When would trail be a good substitute for pursue?

In some situations, the words trail and pursue are roughly equivalent. However, trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

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 pursue But for how much longer can democracies pursue these goals? —

Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025 Hooper is set to be sentenced in February and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, which the state will pursue, according to the release. —

Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025 For those with the means to pursue this mission seriously, consider ways to deepen your impact. —

Magnus Resch, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2025 The university’s website states that 97% of the undergraduate class of 2022 were employed or pursuing further education one year after graduation. —

Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pursue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue

Verb

Though fans would likely love another showdown between Pereira, the light heavyweight champion is chasing a much bigger legacy fight.

— Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
No UConn women’s basketball signees make McDonald’s All-American team; Huskies still chasing No. 4 prospect CT could see more snow this week, according to National Weather Service.

— Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025