path

noun

ˈpath How to pronounce path (audio)
Definition of pathnext
1
as in route
the direction along which something or someone moves try to stay out of the path of the golf balls while playing I tripped over a rock directly in my path

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2
as in trail
a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps a path worn through the library lawn by too many people walking over it

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in road
an established course for traveling from one place to another the path along which ancient traders traveled from Europe to China was known as the Silk Road

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 path Jeff Bezos, for one, has argued that the traditional path may actually improve someone’s odds of entrepreneurial success. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Thus far there have been no fatalities reported in the Spokane fires, even though tens of thousands of people lived in the direct path of devastation. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Withers, 28, has lately been seizing every opportunity in his path, but the Amazon MGM Studios rom-com represents a chance to show a lighter side. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 Duran has been crafty on the base paths, recording eight steals on 10 attempts. — Data Skrive, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for path
Recent Examples of Synonyms for path
  1. route
  2. trail
  3. road
  4. way
  5. pathway
  6. approach
  7. trajectory
  8. footpath
Noun
  • On Saturday, members of multiple North Texas Jeep clubs are expected to line part of Gonzales' funeral procession route near Prestonwood Baptist Church.
    — Erin Jones, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Despite having roughly 850 law enforcement officers along the parade route and at the rally, shots rang out as people were beginning to leave.
    — Laura Bauer July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of route
Noun
  • Pet owners will receive waste bags, water bowls, and treats, and the lakeside trail just outside makes for easy walks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Little Sugar Creek Greenway connects it to the Cross Charlotte trail, which offers a pedestrian path to uptown and beyond.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of trail
Noun
  • Sadly, there are no plans for this sleek beast to be heading off-road outside of mainland China at this stage.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Short of being able to ban traffic from the busy road in front of the hotel, no.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of road
Noun
  • As all of this finale drama is happening around him, Danny gets increasingly drunker, foreshadowing absolutely nothing good coming our way.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 July 2026
  • My favorite way to spend an afternoon, though, was borrowing one of the hotel's bicycles and pedaling around South of Fifth, where quiet residential streets quickly give way to cafés, the marina, and the fun buzz of Ocean Drive.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Definition of way
Noun
  • True site feasibility requires developers to demonstrate a clear pathway to scaling high-density computing.
    — Dr. Dick Bridy, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Three partners complete manufacturing pathway The agreement assigns distinct fabrication tasks to each organization.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of pathway
Noun
  • Asked about Apple’s AI offerings, including the upcoming Siri AI, Cook said the company saw an opportunity in running more AI directly on users’ devices, an approach that Apple believes can appeal to privacy-minded users.
    — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • Several years in the making, the formula went through multiple rounds of development before landing on an approach that feels refreshingly straightforward.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of approach
Noun
  • State Street's Loo likewise highlighted that intervention can buy time, but not change the long-term trajectory.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Whose post–Vanderpump Rules trajectory has surprised you most?
    — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of trajectory
Noun
  • The vehicle crashed into the crowd in Tiergarten Park, according to law enforcement, an area along a footpath within the park and near to the parade's end.
    — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • The footpath takes walkers past gorgeous Nantucket homes and offers exceptional views of the ocean.
    — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of footpath

Phrases Containing path

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pates
path
pathbreaking
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Cite this Entry

“Path.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/path. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on path

Nglish: Translation of path for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about path

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