Synonyms for

Race

Verb / reɪs / Another word for race — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a competition between people, animals, vehicles, etc. to see who is the fastest

Synonyms & similar words

backwash hie wash subspecies slipstream run rush steponit airstream speed linger bucketalong hasten raceway rushalong peltalong beltalong cannonballalong hotfoot competition contest event game trial match tournament heat dash sprint run jog hurry rush speed gallop canter lope scamper dart

Synonyms by register

Formal

competition contest event pursuit

Informal

run dash sprint jog

Literary

chase course

Antonyms

stagnation standstill pause halt cessation delay

Common collocations

  • running race
  • car race
  • horse race
  • boat race
  • close race
  • neck and neck
  • win the race
  • finish line

Word family

noun race
verb race
adjective racing

Usage note

The word 'race' can refer to a competition of speed or to a group of people sharing common ancestry. Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity, especially when discussing human populations.

Example sentences

  1. I am going to participate in a race tomorrow.
  2. The race was very exciting.
  3. My favorite part of the Olympics is watching the track races.
  4. The horse won the race by a nose.
  5. We had a race to see who could finish their chores first.

Quotes

  • The human race is a monotonous affair. Most people spend the greatest part of their time working in order to live, and what little freedom remains so fills them with fear that they seek out any and every means to be rid of it. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  • The only way to win a race is to be a participant, not a spectator. - Napoleon Hill
  • The race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running. - Author Unknown

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