Synonyms of pursue

pursue

verb

pər-ˈsü 

1

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

• chase
• track
• follow
• accompany
• escort
• course
• trace
• dog
• trail
• tail
• seek
• run
• run after
• watch
• tag
• shadow
• hound
• hunt
• bird-dog
• observe
• eye
• search (for)
• chaperone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lead
• guide
• pilot
• head

2

as in to seek

to go in search of

urged the graduates to pursue personal fulfillment instead of financial success

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seek
• chase (down)
• hunt
• search (for or out)
• quest
• shop (for)
• look up
• forage (for)
• look for
• cast about (for)
• cast around (for)
• ferret (out)
• root (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• hide
• ignore
• neglect

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

Recent Examples of pursue

Councilmember Phil Ortiz joined Wells and Goble on both votes, while Deputy Mayor Michelle Metschel and Councilmember Gary Kendrick voted against both last year’s resolution and Tuesday’s proposal to pursue litigation. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Officials begin to pursue them. —Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

It's usually considered advantageous to pursue if the new rate represents one that's a full percentage point below the existing one (though some owners may benefit from a rate differential that's less significant). —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

For the time being, Blue Origin is still studying whether to pursue a reusable upper stage for New Glenn, so each launch of the vehicle requires a new upper stage. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026