Another Word for Pursue: 30 Synonyms With Examples

The closest everyday alternatives to pursue are chase, follow, and go after. If you mean working toward a goal, seek, strive for, and aim for fit well. For a career, a study, or a hobby, undertake, take up, and engage in are good choices.

The best word depends on what you are pursuing. A thief, a dream, a degree, a lead, and a person all call for different words. This guide covers physical chasing, goals, careers, formal continuation, and romance.

Quick list: chase, follow, hunt, track, seek, go after, strive for, aim for, undertake, take up

Below you will find 30 alternatives with meanings, IPA, usage notes, and examples. The article also covers word pairs, collocations, expressions, word history, common mistakes, and an FAQ.

At a Glance: Pursue Synonyms and Related Alternatives

Alternative	Part of Speech	Meaning	Register / Tone	Ideal Context
Chase	Verb	Run after to catch	Neutral, common	Physical chasing, goals
Follow	Verb	Go behind or after	Neutral	Paths, people, careers
Hunt	Verb	Search for and try to catch	Neutral	Animals, criminals, bargains
Track	Verb	Follow signs or traces	Neutral, practical	Animals, suspects, data
Seek	Verb	Try to find or get	Formal to neutral	Goals, help, jobs
Go after	Phrasal verb	Try hard to get or catch	Informal	Goals, targets, people
Strive for	Verb phrase	Work hard toward	Neutral to formal	Ideals, standards, goals
Take up	Phrasal verb	Begin a new interest or job	Neutral	Hobbies, studies
Continue	Verb	Keep doing	Neutral	Plans, studies, actions
Court	Verb	Try to win romantic favor	Dated, formal	Romance, support

Which Word Should You Use?

If you want to…	Use	Why
Describe running after someone to catch them	chase	It is the most direct and common word for physical pursuit.
Describe going behind someone without stress on catching	follow	It is neutral and does not suggest a chase.
Describe searching for prey or a wanted person	hunt	It suggests a purposeful, often long search.
Describe working toward a goal	strive for	It shows effort over time.
Describe starting a career path or hobby	take up	It suggests beginning something new.
Describe following up on a legal matter or inquiry	prosecute	It is formal and often legal.
Describe trying to win someone’s love	woo	It is warm and old-fashioned.
Describe following someone secretly	tail	It is informal and used in detective contexts.

Exploring the Multiple Meanings of “Pursue”

1. Chasing to Catch

Meaning: To follow someone or something in order to catch, stop, or defeat them.
Explanation: This is the oldest and most physical sense. The target is a person, an animal, or a vehicle.
Example: The officers pursued the car through three towns.

2. Working Toward a Goal

Meaning: To try to achieve or obtain something over time.
Explanation: The object is a goal, dream, or aim, not a person. Effort and persistence are the main ideas.
Example: She pursued her dream of becoming a pilot.

3. Engaging in a Career, Study, or Interest

Meaning: To take part in a profession, study, or activity.
Explanation: This sense is common in education and work. It usually suggests serious, planned involvement rather than casual interest.
Example: He plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

4. Following Up on a Matter

Meaning: To continue to deal with a topic, lead, claim, or legal action.
Explanation: Here the verb means to keep working on something until you get a result.
Example: The company decided not to pursue the complaint.

5. Following a Course or Policy

Meaning: To carry out a plan, strategy, or line of action.
Explanation: This sense is formal and common in news, business, and politics.
Example: The city is pursuing a new transport policy.

6. Seeking Romance

Meaning: To try to win the affection of someone.
Explanation: The tone depends on the context. It can be flattering, or it can suggest unwanted persistence.
Example: He pursued her for months before she agreed to a date.

Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Collins English Dictionary; Dictionary.com.

Analyzing 30 Pursue Alternatives in Detail

Some alternatives are direct synonyms for one sense of pursue, while others are related words that fit only certain contexts. Each usage note says which is which.

Group 1: Core Chasing Alternatives

1. Chase

IPA: /tʃeɪs/ (US and UK)

Definition: To run after someone or something in order to catch them.

Usage: This is the closest everyday synonym for the first sense of pursue. It is also common for goals, in a more informal way.
Example: The dog chased the ball across the yard.

2. Follow

IPA: US /ˈfɑːloʊ/ · UK /ˈfɒləʊ/

Definition: To go or come after someone or something.

Usage: This is a related alternative. It lacks the idea of catching, so it fits only the neutral sense of going behind. It also works for careers and paths, as in “follow a dream.”
Example: She followed her father into the family business.

3. Hunt

IPA: /hʌnt/ (US and UK)

Definition: To search for and try to catch or find someone or something.

Usage: This word is a synonym when the target is prey, a criminal, or a hard-to-find object. It suggests a long, careful search.
Example: Police are hunting the thief who stole the painting.

4. Trail

IPA: /treɪl/ (US and UK)

Definition: To follow the track or trace left by someone or something.

Usage: It is a related alternative that stresses following signs, not running fast. It can also mean to follow at a distance.
Example: The detective trailed the suspect through the market.

5. Track

IPA: /træk/ (US and UK)

Definition: To follow the marks, signs, or movements of a person or animal in order to find them.

Usage: This is a related alternative used for careful following of evidence. It is also common in modern use for monitoring, as in “track a package.”
Example: The rangers tracked the bear by its paw prints.

6. Run after

IPA: US /rʌn ˈæftɚ/ · UK /rʌn ˈɑːftə/

Definition: To move quickly behind someone in order to catch them.

Usage: This is an informal synonym for the chasing sense of pursue. It can also mean to try hard to get someone’s attention or affection.
Example: The children ran after the ice cream truck.

Group 2: Secret or Persistent Following

7. Tail

IPA: /teɪl/ (US and UK)

Definition: To follow someone closely, usually in secret.

Usage: This is an informal, related alternative. It fits police work and spy stories, and it suggests watching, not catching.
Example: Two agents tailed the car for an hour.

8. Shadow

IPA: US /ˈʃædoʊ/ · UK /ˈʃædəʊ/

Definition: To follow someone closely and watch what they do.

Usage: This is a related alternative that stresses staying close and watching. It can also mean following a worker to learn their job, which is a different sense.
Example: The reporter shadowed the senator for a week.

9. Stalk

IPA: /stɔːk/ (US and UK)

Definition: To follow a person or animal in a quiet, careful way, or to follow someone in a threatening way over time.

Usage: This is a related alternative with a strong tone. For people, it suggests fear or illegal behavior, so do not use it for casual pursuit.
Example: The lion stalked the herd through the tall grass.

10. Hound

IPA: /haʊnd/ (US and UK)

Definition: To chase or bother someone again and again.

Usage: This word fits when pursuit is annoying or relentless. It is common with reporters, debt collectors, and critics.
Example: Reporters hounded the actor for a comment.

11. Dog

IPA: US /dɔːɡ/ · UK /dɒɡ/

Definition: To follow closely, or to trouble someone for a long time.

Usage: It is a related, figurative alternative. It is often used with problems, as in “bad luck dogged him,” which matches the older sense of pursue as to afflict.
Example: Injuries dogged the team all season.

Group 3: Goals and Ambitions

12. Seek

IPA: /siːk/ (US and UK)

Definition: To try to find, get, or achieve something.

Usage: This is a close synonym for the goal sense. It is slightly more formal than chase and is common with jobs, help, and advice.
Example: Many students seek work experience during the summer.

13. Seek out

IPA: /ˌsiːk ˈaʊt/ (US and UK)

Definition: To look for something or someone and find them on purpose.

Usage: This is a related alternative. It suggests deliberate searching, often for a person or opportunity, and is less about long-term effort.
Example: She sought out a teacher who could help her with math.

14. Strive for

IPA: US /straɪv fɔːr/ · UK /straɪv fɔː/

Definition: To work very hard to reach a goal.

Usage: This is a synonym for the goal sense, but it stresses effort more than the target. It often goes with ideals such as excellence or perfection.
Example: We strive for clear communication in every project.

15. Aim for

IPA: US /eɪm fɔːr/ · UK /eɪm fɔː/

Definition: To plan or try to reach a certain target.

Usage: This is a neutral, practical alternative for goals and targets. It suggests a clear aim but less long-term struggle than strive for.
Example: The team is aiming for a top-three finish.

16. Aspire to

IPA: US /əˈspaɪr tuː/ · UK /əˈspaɪə tuː/

Definition: To have a strong wish to achieve something high.

Usage: This is a related alternative. It describes the wish or ambition more than the action, so it is weaker than pursue when effort is the main idea.
Example: He aspired to become a famous writer.

Group 4: Careers, Studies, and Interests

17. Practice

IPA: /ˈpræktɪs/ (US and UK as a verb)

Definition: To work in a profession, or to do something regularly.

Usage: This is a related alternative used for professions such as law and medicine. It does not suit hobbies as well as take up does.
Example: She practices law in a small town.

18. Take up

IPA: /teɪk ˈʌp/ (US and UK)

Definition: To begin a new activity, job, or study.

Usage: This is a related alternative that stresses the start of something. Pursue usually suggests continued effort.
Example: My uncle took up painting after he retired.

19. Engage in

IPA: /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ɪn/ (US and UK)

Definition: To take part in an activity.

Usage: This is a formal, related alternative. It is neutral about effort, so it fits when you only need to say that someone does something.
Example: Students engage in group projects every week.

20. Undertake

IPA: US /ˌʌndɚˈteɪk/ · UK /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/

Definition: To begin and take responsibility for a task or project.

Usage: This is a formal alternative for serious projects, studies, or tasks. It is less suited to chasing people or romantic goals.
Example: The university will undertake a major research study.

21. Cultivate

IPA: /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (US and UK)

Definition: To develop and improve something, such as a skill, interest, or relationship.

Usage: This is a related, figurative alternative. It suggests slow, careful growth, not a direct chase after a goal.
Example: She cultivated a strong interest in music from a young age.

Group 5: Formal and Continuing Alternatives

22. Prosecute

IPA: US /ˈprɑːsɪkjuːt/ · UK /ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/

Definition: To bring legal action against someone, or to carry something on until it is finished.

Usage: It shares an origin with pursue. In formal writing it can mean to carry on a war or inquiry, but it is mainly a legal word and a poor fit for ordinary goals.
Example: The state will prosecute the case next month.

23. Continue

IPA: /kənˈtɪnjuː/ (US and UK)

Definition: To keep doing something without stopping.

Usage: This is a related alternative for the “follow a course” sense. It does not show effort or aim.
Example: They decided to continue their studies abroad.

24. Carry on

IPA: US /ˌkæri ˈɑːn/ · UK /ˌkæri ˈɒn/

Definition: To keep going with an activity, even when it is hard.

Usage: This is an informal, related alternative. It works for plans and work but not for chasing a person.
Example: She carried on with her research despite the delays.

25. Persist in

IPA: US /pɚˈsɪst ɪn/ · UK /pəˈsɪst ɪn/

Definition: To keep doing something in a firm way, even when it is difficult.

Usage: This is a formal, related alternative. It stresses stubbornness or determination and sometimes suggests the effort is unwise.
Example: He persisted in his search for the missing letter.

26. Proceed with

IPA: US /proʊˈsiːd wɪð/ · UK /prəˈsiːd wɪð/

Definition: To go forward with a plan or action.

Usage: This is a formal alternative for plans, claims, and legal steps. It matches pursue in sense four, as in “pursue the claim.”
Example: The board voted to proceed with the merger.

Group 6: Romantic and Informal Alternatives

27. Court

IPA: US /kɔːrt/ · UK /kɔːt/

Definition: To try to win the love of someone, or to try to gain support.

Usage: This is a close synonym for the romantic sense, though it sounds old-fashioned. It is also used for gaining support, as in “court voters.”
Example: He courted her with letters and small gifts.

28. Woo

IPA: /wuː/ (US and UK)

Definition: To try to win someone’s love, or to try to win their support or business.

Usage: This is a close synonym for the romantic sense, with a warm and slightly literary tone. It is also common in business, as in “woo customers.”
Example: The company is trying to woo younger customers.

29. Go for

IPA: US /ɡoʊ fɔːr/ · UK /ɡəʊ fɔː/

Definition: To try to get or achieve something.

Usage: This is an informal alternative for goals and choices. It is casual and not suitable for formal writing.
Example: I’m going for a promotion this year.

30. Go after

IPA: US /ɡoʊ ˈæftɚ/ · UK /ɡəʊ ˈɑːftə/

Definition: To try to catch, get, or win something or someone.

Usage: This is a close informal synonym for both chasing and goal-seeking. It is direct and active, and it fits conversation well.
Example: She went after the job with great energy.

Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Collins English Dictionary; Collins Thesaurus; Dictionary.com; Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries.

Pursue vs. Chase vs. Follow vs. Seek

These four words overlap, but each has a different center of meaning.

Word	Main Idea	Typical Object	Tone
Pursue	Go after something with purpose, often over time	Goals, careers, suspects, leads	Neutral to formal
Chase	Run after quickly to catch	People, animals, vehicles, dreams	Neutral to informal
Follow	Go behind or along a path	People, paths, advice, careers	Neutral
Seek	Try to find or obtain	Help, jobs, answers, truth	Formal to neutral

Pursue is the broadest of the four. Chase is more physical and more urgent. Follow does not require any wish to catch. Seek is about looking for or trying to obtain something.

Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Collins English Dictionary.

Pursue and Opposite/Paired Word Pairs

Word	Paired Word	Note
Pursue	Abandon	Means to stop pursuing a goal completely.
Pursue	Give up	Informal opposite for goals and efforts.
Pursue	Drop	Casual opposite for a plan, claim, or case.
Pursue	Ignore	Fits when someone does not act on a lead or opportunity.
Pursue	Avoid	Fits when someone keeps away from a person or action.
Pursuer	Pursued	Common pair in chases and legal or romantic stories.
Pursuer	Quarry	The one being hunted or chased.
Pursue	Flee	Natural contrast in a chase: one chases, one runs away.

Pursue has no single perfect opposite because its senses differ. For a goal, the opposite is to give up or abandon it. For a chase, the opposite action is to flee or escape. The word you choose should match the sense you are contrasting.

Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Collins Thesaurus; Dictionary.com.

Common Word Partners of “Pursue”

Pattern	Common Partners	Example
pursue + goal or ambition	goal, dream, ambition, career, passion	She wants to pursue her dream of acting.
pursue + study	degree, studies, research, education	He chose to pursue a master’s degree.
pursue + legal or business matter	claim, case, lawsuit, legal action, deal	The firm will pursue legal action.
pursue + policy or approach	policy, strategy, course, agenda	The government pursued a cautious policy.
pursue + lead or idea	lead, idea, matter, line of inquiry	Police are pursuing several leads.
adverb + pursue	actively, aggressively, vigorously, relentlessly	The company actively pursues new markets.

Sources: Collins English Dictionary; Oxford Collocations Dictionary; Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Idiomatic Phrases Featuring “Pursue”

Pursue has few true idioms. The phrases below are established expressions, mostly built on the noun pursuit or on fixed word combinations.

1. In hot pursuit

Meaning: Chasing someone closely and quickly.
Example: The police ran after the robber in hot pursuit.

2. The pursuit of happiness

Meaning: The search for a good and satisfying life. This famous phrase comes from the American Declaration of Independence.
Example: Many people move abroad in the pursuit of happiness.

3. Pursue a dream

Meaning: To work toward something you strongly want in life. This is an established expression, not a true idiom.
Example: She left her job to pursue a dream of writing novels.

4. Pursue a course of action

Meaning: To follow a chosen plan or method. This is a formal fixed expression.
Example: The committee decided to pursue a different course of action.

Sources: Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Collins English Dictionary; Oxford Dictionary of English.

Word Formation of “Pursue”

Etymology & Structure

Pursue came into English from Anglo-French and Old French, and it goes back to Latin prosequi, which means “to follow after.” The Latin word combines pro- (“forth”) and sequi (“to follow”). The English word is built from this older root and has no separate prefix and stem in modern English.

Date and History

The word appeared in English in the 14th century. Its first meaning was to follow in order to catch. The meanings of working toward a goal and following a profession developed later.

Word Class Variations

Verb: pursue, pursues, pursued, pursuing
Noun: pursuit (the act of chasing or seeking), pursuer (a person who pursues), pursuance (a formal word for carrying out something)
Adjective: pursuant (formal, used in the phrase “pursuant to,” meaning “in accordance with”)

Sources: Etymonline; Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Oxford English Dictionary.

Common Word-Choice Mistakes

“I pursue to become a doctor”: use “I want to become a doctor” or “I am pursuing a medical career.” Pursue takes a noun object, not a to-infinitive.
“Pursue after a goal”: use “pursue a goal.” You can say “chase after,” but pursue needs no preposition here.
“Persue” or “pursuit a goal”: the spelling is pursue, and “pursuit” is the noun.
“Prosecute your dreams”: use “pursue your dreams.” Prosecute is mainly a legal word.
“Persecute your goals”: use “pursue your goals.” Persecute means to treat someone cruelly.
“Stalk a goal”: use “pursue” or “go after.” Stalk sounds frightening when applied to people.
“Practice a hobby”: use “take up a hobby” or “pursue a hobby.” Practice is more natural with professions and skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest synonym for pursue?
Chase is the closest everyday synonym for the physical sense, and seek is the closest for the goal sense. Go after works for both in informal speech.

What is a formal alternative to pursue?
Undertake, prosecute, and proceed with are the main formal alternatives. Which one fits depends on If you mean a project, a legal matter, or a plan.

Is pursue the same as chase?
Not always. Chase is more physical and urgent, while pursue is broader and can describe long-term goals and careers.

What is a literary or old-fashioned word for pursue?
Woo and court are old-fashioned choices for romantic pursuit. Hound and dog are strong, vivid choices for persistent following or trouble.

Can pursue be used for people?
Yes. It can mean to chase a person or to try to win their affection. In romance, the tone depends on how persistent the pursuit is.

What is the difference between pursue and follow?
Follow means to go behind someone or something, with no wish to catch them. Pursue includes purpose and effort, often to catch or achieve something.

What is the opposite of pursue?
For goals, the opposite is abandon or give up. For a chase, the opposite action is to flee or escape.

What is a good word for pursuing a career?
Follow, take up, and undertake all fit, depending on If you are starting or continuing. Pursue itself is the most common choice.

Is pursue formal or informal?
It is neutral to formal. Informal alternatives include chase, go after, and go for.

What is the noun form of pursue?
The noun is pursuit, which means the act of chasing or seeking something. A person who pursues is a pursuer.

Conclusion

The most useful alternatives to pursue are chase, follow, hunt, seek, go after, strive for, and undertake. Each one covers a different part of the meaning, from physical chasing to working toward a goal.

Context decides the right word. Chase and hunt fit a physical search, strive for and aim for fit goals, take up and undertake fit careers and studies, and court and woo fit romance. A few words, such as stalk and hound, carry strong or negative feelings, so they need care.

To choose well, first ask what is being pursued: a person, a goal, a career, a lead, or a plan. Then match the tone, formal or informal, to your reader. If no alternative feels exact, pursue is often still the best word.