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 Like the pursuit in Miller’s death, most chases began east of Troost Avenue. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025 The designer’s philanthropic pursuits included Foundation 59, an organization that supports disadvantaged young people, and a women’s fundraising group for the National Gallery of Victoria. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025 Gretzky, 64 years old and red-faced, was there to witness the occasion, the way Gordie Howe had encouraged Gretzky’s pursuit of his career-goals record. —Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025 The pursuit of this service was admittedly inspired by The White Lotus on HBO. —Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 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
  • With the convenience of direct-from-warehouse fulfillment, customers skip the hassle of third-party delays, backorders, or vague tracking updates.
    — Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Today’s near-real-time emissions tracking relies on a constellation of satellites, sensors, and AI models—many of which are controlled by governments or private entities.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of tracking
Noun
  • Kids might fall behind on schoolwork; adults could become distracted during the workday or overspend on supplies related to their hobby.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
  • When assembling Easter baskets, consider the recipient's hobbies, favorite treats and practical needs.
    — Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of hobby
Noun
  • But the kind of genetic tracing that the CDC's lab performs is not conducted by any other lab in the United States or the world, experts interviewed by NPR said.
    — Chiara Eisner, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
  • All 2025 4Runner models feature Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with forward collision warning, lane departure alert and keeping, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing, road sign assist and auto high beams.
    — Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Definition of tracing
Noun
  • From the October 2011 issue: The scandal of NCAA college sports Wade arrived with a small entourage (the Chick-fil-A was for them), and the room buzzed.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Held at the London West Hollywood, the event honored Miller, the founding chair of the entertainment and sports law department at Fox Rothschild, for his continued excellence and commitment to the community.
    — Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of sport
Noun
  • The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99.
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • What went into the recreation of that opening scene?
    — Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • 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
  • What began as an avocation turned into a serious occupation, as Fox Solomon turned to documenting the remnants of segregation visible in Chattanooga and across the South.
    — Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024
Definition of avocation
Noun
  • While Instagram and TikTok chase global virality, Fizz leans hard into hyper relevance: the inside joke, the anonymous confession, the econ final everyone just bombed.
    — Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The family of the chase victims didn’t know about the second-degree murder charges until Channel 9’s Dave Faherty called them Wednesday.
    — Dave Faherty, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of chase
Noun
  • There's a mix of on-the-beach relaxation (pet-friendly!) and off-the-beach amusements, such as go-kart tracks, a handful of mini-golf courses, a number of ice cream shops, and good restaurants.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This massive endeavor, which officially opens May 22, is a way for Universal to showcase and monetize its diverse library of franchises and bolster its amusements business.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of amusement

Browse Nearby Words

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pursuit
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Cite this Entry

“Pursuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pursuit. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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