CHASE Synonyms: 231 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of chase are follow , pursue , and trail . While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running. // a dog chasing a cat

Q: When could 'follow' be used to replace 'chase'?

The words follow and chase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake. // friends followed me home in their car

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pursue' instead of 'chase'?

While the synonyms pursue and chase are close in meaning, pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain. // pursued the criminal through narrow streets

Q: When can 'trail' be used instead of 'chase'?

The synonyms trail and chase are sometimes interchangeable, but trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object. // trail deer // trailed a suspect across the country

chase 1 of 2

verb

Definition of chase next

as in to out

to drive or force out chased the cat out of the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pursue

to go after or on the track of a dog that likes to chase cars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hunt

to seek out (game) for food or sport owls often chase mice in the dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to race

to proceed or move quickly they chased all over the place to find the missing child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

chase

2 of 2

noun

ˈchās

as in prey

an animal that is hunted or killed the gazelle is a favorite chase of lions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pursuit

the act of going after or in the tracks of another a high-speed car chase

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chase distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of chase are follow, pursue, and trail. While all these words mean "to go after or on the track of something or someone," chase implies going swiftly after and trying to overtake something fleeing or running.

a dog chasing a cat

When could follow be used to replace chase?

The words follow and chase are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow puts less emphasis upon speed or intent to overtake.

friends followed me home in their car

When is it sensible to use pursue instead of chase?

While the synonyms pursue and chase are close in meaning, pursue suggests a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain.

pursued the criminal through narrow streets

When can trail be used instead of chase?

The synonyms trail and chase are sometimes interchangeable, but trail may stress a following of tracks or traces rather than a visible object.

trail deer

trailed a suspect across the country

Examples 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 chase

Verb

Mystery surrounds its final days, but according to legend, the ship faltered while being chased by naval authorities for smuggling contraband cigarettes. —

Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 13 Jan. 2025 The inspectors chased Santillan into a nearby residence where he was arrested. —

Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

Noun

Apparently, Ron had unknowingly stumbled into a deer chase by one or more wolves. —

Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025 As the chase continued, other motorists pulled to the side of the road. —

Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for chase

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chase

Verb

He’s had at least 70 yards in 14 consecutive postseason games — averaging 99.1 yards per outing over that stretch.

— Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Wiener’s office cited the case of a transgender woman in Stanislaus County who successfully sued to have her court records made private after she was forcibly outed on social media and at work by anonymous internet trolls , as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

— Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025