pursuit

noun

pər-ˈsüt How to pronounce pursuit (audio)
Definition of pursuitnext
1
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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2
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 His subsequent pursuit ends abruptly, however, after someone bumps into his very recent bullet wound at a subway station. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 July 2025 That sends Vic’s authentic self running back to Blood and the pursuit of a utopia neither deserves to find. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025 Musk is reorienting Tesla around futuristic pursuits like driverless vehicles, artificial intelligence and humanoid robots as its traditional car business struggles. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 July 2025 These days, the field has widened to just about any pursuit on the water. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pursuit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pursuit
  1. tracking
  2. hobby
  3. tracing
  4. sport
  5. recreation
  6. avocation
  7. chase
  8. amusement
Noun
  • Lynn Foster is certain the cuts to programs included in the tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month means the end of bird and bee tracking.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 July 2025
  • According to the tracking site Cruise Mapper, the ship is expected to return to Miami at 6 a.m. on July 26.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Definition of tracking
Noun
  • In some cases, similarity, in terms of sharing the same political views or hobbies, was linked to better relationship outcomes.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Yet today ternary computers are just hobby projects.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 July 2025
Definition of hobby
Noun
  • The final nurse, plain face and plain name, studies a tracing of my contractions and tells me when to bear down, when to ease up.
    — Erica Stern June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • And that backward tracing can help reveal which comet likely shed the meteoroid material in the first place.
    — Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
Definition of tracing
Noun
  • Women’s sports, especially basketball, are experiencing a remarkable surge.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The absence of meaningful sports, notably football, as well as prime time episodes after series wrapped their seasons in May, sent broadcast networks down 5% from May.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Definition of sport
Noun
  • Residents are increasingly drawn to the area's rivers, mountain trails, and outdoor recreation—all while benefiting from an average income of $63,685 and home listings that average $819,700.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • According to Thomas, the themes associated with this zodiac sign include romance, creativity, recreation and children.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • Retired from her long vocation as a research chemist, Schafer, at 81, remains on the job with her avocations.
    — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 May 2025
  • These avocations can take many shapes—traveling, golf, time with family, snowboarding, knitting, hunting, gardening, fishing, church choir, college football, crossword puzzles, theater, cycling, and walking.
    — Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Definition of avocation
Noun
  • The all-important Farke phone call is a big step in any Leeds transfer chase.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • After the banter, more footage from the upcoming film was shown, including a light cycle chase scene.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of chase
Noun
  • Things to do: Number of sports teams, number of amusement places and arcades per capita, number of Traveler's Choice attractions per capita.
    — Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • The amusement company currently operates 42 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, according to its website.
    — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 July 2025
Definition of amusement

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Cite this Entry

“Pursuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pursuit. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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