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

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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

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 pursue Ibarra, an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant, entered the United States illegally in 2022, officials said, but he was allowed to remain in the country to pursue his immigration case. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024 Between the lines: Boutros initially filed his suit in 2022 but voluntarily withdrew it in 2023 to pursue treatment following a cancer diagnosis. —

Sam Allard, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 Amanda works in film and TV Amanda moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. —

Haley Van Horn, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Refuse to let anyone pursuing you romantically to take advantage of you. —

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pursue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue

Verb

Migrants pass through their backyards almost nightly Deputies often chase cars packed with people who have crossed the border illegally, but Dannels said the taxiing part of the operation is almost always done by Americans.

David Culver, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
During what police described as a road rage incident, a driver being chased by another motorist on East Washington Street ran a red light at Ritter Avenue and slammed into a SUV.

Daryl Perry, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024