Thesaurus results for PURSUIT

pursuit

noun

pər-ˈsüt

Definition of pursuit next

as in tracking

the act of going after or in the tracks of another the cat ran down the street with a pair of dogs in pursuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in hobby

an activity outside of one's regular occupation that is engaged in primarily for pleasure a workaholic with few pursuits outside of the office

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pursuit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pursuit are business, calling, employment, métier, occupation, and work. While all these words mean "a specific sustained activity engaged in especially in earning one's living," pursuit suggests a trade, profession, or avocation followed with zeal or steady interest.

her family considered medicine the only proper pursuit

When is business a more appropriate choice than pursuit?

While in some cases nearly identical to pursuit, business suggests activity in commerce or the management of money and affairs.

the business of managing a hotel

When might calling be a better fit than pursuit?

The meanings of calling and pursuit largely overlap; however, calling applies to an occupation viewed as a vocation or profession.

the ministry seemed my true calling

When is it sensible to use employment instead of pursuit?

The words employment and pursuit can be used in similar contexts, but employment implies work for which one has been engaged and is being paid by an employer.

your employment with this firm is hereby terminated

When would métier be a good substitute for pursuit?

The synonyms métier and pursuit are sometimes interchangeable, but métier implies a calling or pursuit for which one believes oneself to be especially fitted.

acting was my one and only métier

In what contexts can occupation take the place of pursuit?

While the synonyms occupation and pursuit are close in meaning, occupation implies work in which one engages regularly especially as a result of training.

his occupation as a trained auto mechanic

When can work be used instead of pursuit?

Although the words work and pursuit have much in common, work may apply to any purposeful activity whether remunerative or not.

her work as a hospital volunteer

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 pursuit The staid, old-school Giants continued their all-out pursuit of Harbaugh on Wednesday by flying him into New Jersey on co-owner Steve Tisch’s private jet, which was tracked by seasoned internet sleuths and hopeful Giants fans alike. —

Dianna Russini, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 The ongoing pursuit of the truth surrounding the saga of Leonardo DiCaprio's viral Golden Globes commercial break moment has proven to be, well, one battle after another. —

Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026 If granted, a special prosecutor would be appointed, potentially delaying trial proceedings — including the state’s pursuit of the death penalty. —

Michael Ruiz , Stepheny Price , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026 And that his single-minded pursuit to persuade ownership to take his side over Malone prevented him from recognizing that David Adelman could execute his blueprint. —

Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pursuit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursuit

Noun

This ensuing odyssey rapidly evolves from a mere tracking expedition into a brutal test of endurance and a profound, sensory initiation.

— Robert Lang, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
People are going all out to make their cards visually appealing and fun to use, turning goal-tracking into a hands-on activity that’s both satisfying and motivating.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026