1
as in to define
to draw or make apparent the outline of
trace your hand onto this piece of paper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to track
to go after or on the track of
police traced the burglar back to his apartment, where they discovered a ton of stolen loot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in trail
a mark or series of marks left on a surface by something that has passed along it
the wolf came and went without leaving a trace on the hard, dry ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in road
a passage cleared for public vehicular travel
an old trace that dates back to the days of the covered wagon
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in path
a rough course or way formed by or as if by repeated footsteps
stay on the trace, or you'll get lost in these thick woods
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in relic
a tiny often physical indication of something lost or vanished
a ship that appears to have vanished without a trace on the high seas
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in shred
a very small amount
doctors detected only a trace of bacteria in the blood sample but put the patient on antibiotics just in case
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of trace
Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Many of these cases were traced back to individuals who would not have passed a more deliberate vetting process.
—Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026
Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
Thiols are responsible for the distinctive aromas of skunk spray and ripe durian; they’re also added to natural gas to provide a detectable rotten-egg smell at even trace levels.
—Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trace
Verb
These are among the many questions posed by Simon Morrison’s sprawling biography of place, which seeks to understand a nation through the life of its largest city, tracing Moscow’s evolution via dozens of historical upheavals, from war, famine, drought, and much, much more.
—Noun
Zinc is what is known as a trace mineral.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
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Davis’ injury is the latest — and potentially most damaging — blow in a Mavericks season defined by attrition.—
-
While its character may be defined by its history—ask the staff about its connections to Jackie O and George Washington—the inn embraces all of the modern comforts.—
Verb
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The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
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The group was tracked for an average of 25 years, during which time 3,208 participants developed dementia.—
Noun
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In an effort to make that happen, officials with the city of Little Rock presented a plan for the portion of the trail at the Dillard's headquarters on Thursday at an open forum meeting at the Dunbar Community Center, inspiring hope in some cyclists and advocates.—
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Lynch, the Rivian engineer, said outdoorsy types can feel confident taking their R1S or R1T Quads with them on the trails or national parks.—
Noun
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If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.—
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
Noun
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With less access to scholarships and aid, some students may elect to choose a different path of study, potentially sinking enrollment below the quotas set by the law enacted last year.—
-
The park offers several hiking paths that explore caves along the base of the mountain and a trail that leads to the nearby town of Dénia.—
Noun
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Maybe ‘Bazball’ can learn a thing or two from this old-fashioned bowling relic.—
-
In an era when attentive service often feels like a relic — perhaps another quiet casualty of the pandemic — this kind of efficiency now registers as something close to remarkable.—
Noun
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My search proved fruitful, so below you’ll find my top picks, including an air fryer that saves counterspace, a set of six dishcloths for $24, and a chopping gadget that also slices, grates, and shreds.—
-
Shred It For Packaging Turn used wrapping paper into pretty paper shreds for future gifts.—
Noun
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After you’re done cleaning up the kitchen or tackling tough stains around the house, a simple wash with oxygen bleach or a hint of chlorine bleach can make white towels look new again.—
-
The mix of spices held a hint of spiciness, but still pretty flavorful and wasn’t overwhelming.—
Cite this Entry
“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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