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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
Its legacy continues to be disputed, and its roots can be traced back to the labor wars of the 19th century. Elijah Tanall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Babylon Berlin, the epic German noir series tracing life in Berlin from the roaring 1920s to rise of the Nazis, has set the date for its series finale. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
Noun
Both methods showed traces of carbon-containing charcoal in a significant number of figures. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026 After lining your lips with one of the thicker lip liners above, trace just outside your lip line with the clear pencil. Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Unlike ancient Roman baths that relied on standing pools, Ottoman hammam architecture is defined by fresh, continuous flowing water across heated stone slabs (göbek taşı).
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This season, though, will be defined by the head coach’s offseason evaluation of, well, himself.
    Sam McDowell July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The system tracks drones in real-time and feeds data gathered from diverse sensors into a single channel for military personnel to evaluate.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Of the seven expense categories tracked — including housing, medical costs and education — cellphone bills were the most common expense paid by someone else.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026
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
Noun
  • What’s different this time is getting to the Diner, as both Santa Monica Blvd (which the Diner faces) and Sunset Blvd are seeing extended road work – some of it due to a water main that burst on July 16.
    Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Two Boston city councilors are pushing for a change in city law that would require Mayor Michelle Wu to report street projects annually as Wu faces criticism for stalling road work before a city employee was killed by a truck.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • New Zealand’s biosecurity minister has warned that the country will follow a similar path, should a widespread outbreak occur.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The incident also demonstrated that models can potentially identify and exploit novel attack paths without direct access to an organization’s source code.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The upcoming release of 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball will feature Back-to-Back Gold Logoman patch autographed one-of-a-kind cards of Ohtani and Judge, taking those relics from jerseys worn in each of their 2024 and 2025 MVP seasons.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Common areas offer barbecue grill, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and Route 66 relics.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • To get on Fauci’s good side was to earn his confidence, his respect, and the benefits of his network of resources; to land on his bad side was to be carved into shreds inside his office, the worst of his rampages audible through the closed door.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • The congress has repeatedly amended the constitution to concentrate power in Ortega’s hands and eliminate any shred of democratic independence and dissent in the country.
    Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • January 20 – February 18 A money conversation may need fewer hints and more numbers.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Alright, read on for some hints and clues for today’s Wordle, plus today’s Bonus Wordle.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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