PURSUE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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 Today’s frontier models are trained to pursue objectives—to be helpful, effective, or engaging. —

Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026 Trump has pursued a two-track strategy of outreach to the opposition, while also pressuring — and at times praising — Caracas’ interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez. —

J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 Jan. 2026 The report advises Detroit not to pursue changes in state law without widespread support across the state. —

Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 15 Jan. 2026 Bolton and Lejeune decided not to pursue an appeal of the preservation board’s decision to the Gables City Commission, which would be an expensive effort. —

Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pursue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursue

Verb

Investigators later determined that a gray Dodge Charger began chasing the Toyota at a high rate of speed.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
Tech companies have also been chasing the next big product following the smartphone and think AI could be key to finding it.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026