Synonyms of Pursue are essential to know if you want to express the act of following, chasing, or striving toward something with precision and variety. The word “pursue” generally means to follow, chase, or actively strive toward something, whether it’s a goal, a person, or a passion. While it’s often used in contexts like pursuing dreams, pursuing a career, or even pursuing someone romantically, its tone can vary from ambitious to intense depending on the setting.
Choosing the right synonym for “pursue” is important because it can subtly change the emotional tone of your sentence. Do you want to sound passionate, strategic, relentless, or gentle in your approach?
This guide introduces 30 well-selected synonyms of “pursue,” with clear examples and tips on when to use them.
Synonyms of Pursue Alternatives
1. Chase
Meaning: To follow swiftly with the intent to catch.
Example: She chased her dream of becoming a dancer across continents.
Best For: Dynamic or action-focused contexts.
2. Strive
Meaning: To put in great effort towards achieving something.
Example: He strives for excellence in every project.
Best For: Long-term efforts with an ethical or ambitious tone.
3. Seek
Meaning: To look for something intentionally.
Example: She seeks knowledge wherever she goes.
Best For: Philosophical or introspective tones.
4. Follow
Meaning: To go after or be guided by.
Example: He followed his mentor’s footsteps into the legal profession.
Best For: When emphasizing guidance or inspiration.
5. Hunt
Meaning: To search determinedly, often with intensity.
Example: The reporter hunted for the truth behind the scandal.
Best For: When urgency or investigation is implied.
6. Track
Meaning: To observe and follow progress.
Example: They tracked the suspect’s movements for days.
Best For: Surveillance or analytical contexts.
7. Aim for
Meaning: To direct one’s focus or intention.
Example: She’s aiming for a promotion by the end of the year.
Best For: Goal-setting in professional or personal life.
8. Aspire
Meaning: To desire and work toward something lofty.
Example: Many young athletes aspire to play professionally.
Best For: Ambitious dreams or idealistic goals.
9. Engage in
Meaning: To actively participate in an activity.
Example: He engaged in multiple internships to boost his experience.
Best For: Formal or academic tones.
10. Go after
Meaning: To take action to get something.
Example: She went after every opportunity to improve her skills.
Best For: Casual and determined expressions.
11. Follow through
Meaning: To complete an action or intention.
Example: He always follows through on his promises.
Best For: Situations requiring dependability or commitment.
12. Undertake
Meaning: To take responsibility for a task.
Example: They undertook a project to restore the old library.
Best For: Formal or responsibility-heavy settings.
13. Act on
Meaning: To take action based on something.
Example: She acted on her instincts and accepted the job offer.
Best For: Responsive and timely actions.
14. Explore
Meaning: To investigate or examine with curiosity.
Example: He explored new markets for expansion.
Best For: Open-ended or discovery-oriented contexts.
15. Advance
Meaning: To move forward with progress.
Example: She advanced her career through continuous learning.
Best For: Progress-focused achievements.
16. Probe
Meaning: To investigate deeply.
Example: The scientist probed the cause of the anomaly.
Best For: Research, science, or inquiry contexts.
17. Set out for
Meaning: To begin a journey or plan.
Example: He set out for a new life abroad.
Best For: Journeys or long-term plans.
18. Campaign for
Meaning: To work publicly toward a cause.
Example: They campaigned for environmental justice.
Best For: Activism or public awareness efforts.
19. Solicit
Meaning: To request or seek actively.
Example: The nonprofit solicited donations from local businesses.
Best For: Formal requests or fundraising contexts.
20. Crave
Meaning: To have an intense desire.
Example: He craved recognition for his hard work.
Best For: Emotionally intense or internal desires.
21. Yearn for
Meaning: To feel a deep longing.
Example: She yearned for her hometown after years away.
Best For: Romantic or nostalgic feelings.
22. Push for
Meaning: To advocate or exert pressure.
Example: The manager pushed for more transparency in the reports.
Best For: Assertive or managerial tones.
23. Run after
Meaning: To pursue, often impulsively.
Example: He kept running after get-rich-quick schemes.
Best For: Slightly critical or humorous tone.
24. Embark on
Meaning: To begin an endeavor.
Example: She embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
Best For: Inspirational or adventurous contexts.
25. Pine for
Meaning: To long painfully for something lost.
Example: He pined for the love he let slip away.
Best For: Melancholic or romantic moods.
26. Quest for
Meaning: To search for something noble or elusive.
Example: Their quest for peace led them across borders.
Best For: Epic or grand-scale narratives.
27. Woo
Meaning: To court or attract, especially romantically or professionally.
Example: The company wooed top talent with great benefits.
Best For: Charm-driven efforts in love or business.
28. Work toward
Meaning: To make steady progress.
Example: She worked toward a degree in environmental science.
Best For: Patient, process-driven effort.
29. Foster
Meaning: To encourage or promote development.
Example: The teacher fostered creativity in her classroom.
Best For: Supportive or nurturing settings.
30. Target
Meaning: To aim directly at a goal.
Example: The ad campaign targeted young professionals.
Best For: Business or strategic aims.
How to Choose the Right Synonym for “Pursue”
Choosing the best synonym depends on your intention, audience, and the emotional tone you want to convey:
- Ambitious or Goal-Oriented: Use words like strive, aim for, aspire, or advance.
- Romantic or Emotional: Choose yearn for, pine for, woo, or crave.
- Strategic or Professional: Opt for target, campaign for, solicit, or undertake.
- Casual or Conversational: Use go after, run after, or work toward.
- Adventurous or Curious: Try to embark on, explore, or quest for.
Also, consider cultural tone: woo or pine might sound old-fashioned in some contexts, while chase or go after may feel too casual for formal writing.
Conclusion: Using Synonyms of “Pursue” Effectively
The word “pursue” has many faces—ambitious, emotional, relentless, or gentle. Understanding its many synonyms allows you to express your message with greater precision, style, and emotion. Whether you’re describing a passionate goal, a heartfelt desire, or a formal initiative, there’s a perfect word waiting to elevate your writing.
Mastering these subtle variations helps you become a more confident, articulate communicator.
So the next time you think of “pursue,” ask yourself: Am I striving, chasing, seeking, or simply yearning? Let the nuance guide your word choice.
