Synonyms for

Pursuit

Verb / pɜ:ˈsu:t / Another word for pursuit — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the act of following or chasing someone or something in order to catch or capture them

Synonyms & similar words

pursuance sideline sparetimeactivity interest byline pastime following hobby chase pursual quest avocation chase hunt search quest endeavor mission ambition goal objective aim drive pursual expedition striving effort undertaking crusade campaign enterprise pursuance

Synonyms by register

Formal

chase prosecution endeavor quest

Informal

going after chasing after hunt

Literary

questing hounding

Antonyms

cessation halt idleness inactivity rest surrender abandonment

Common collocations

  • in pursuit of
  • pursuit of happiness
  • pursuit of knowledge
  • police pursuit
  • criminal pursuit
  • active pursuit
  • vigorous pursuit
  • legal pursuit

Word family

noun pursuit
verb pursue
adjective pursuant

Usage note

While 'pursuit' can refer to the act of chasing someone or something, it is more commonly used to describe the act of trying to achieve a goal or objective, such as 'the pursuit of excellence'.

Example sentences

  1. The police were in hot pursuit of the thief.
  2. She was in pursuit of a new hobby.
  3. His pursuit of happiness led him to move to a new city.
  4. I'm in pursuit of a good grade in school.
  5. The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.

Quotes

  • "Happiness is not a destination, it's a journey. Happiness is not tomorrow, it is now. Happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision. Happiness is what you are, not what you have." - Zig Ziglar
  • "Success is not the pursuit of perfection but rather the pursuit of progression." - Unknown
  • "The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives." - Albert Einstein

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