OpenSynonym

race

/reɪs/

NOUN

1. Competitive contest

A competition in which individuals, teams, animals, or vehicles attempt to reach a destination or achieve an objective before their opponents.

1.1. Sports and physical competitions

Used for organized or informal competitions involving running, cycling, swimming, horse riding, or other physical activities in which participants compete to finish first.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The athletes trained rigorously for the upcoming marathon race.
  • Several horses competed in the annual horse race.
  • The cyclists prepared for a challenging mountain race.

Related Words

1.2. Rivalry and competitive struggles

Used figuratively for a prolonged contest between individuals, organizations, or groups competing for superiority, success, power, or an advantage.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The two companies entered a fierce race for market leadership.
  • The election became a close race between the leading candidates.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Rapid movement or high speed

A period or instance of moving, traveling, or progressing very quickly, often with considerable urgency or energy.

2.1. Fast physical movement

Describes a rapid movement or journey made by a person, animal, or object, emphasizing speed, urgency, or sudden forward motion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The race down the hill ended with everyone laughing.
  • She made a quick dash to catch the departing bus.

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2.2. Urgent progress toward a deadline

Used to describe an intense period of rapid activity or hurried progress when people are trying to complete something before a deadline or reach a desired result.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The final race to complete the project kept the entire team working late.
  • The company began a race against time to finish the new product before its launch.

Related Words

NOUN

3. Movement toward an objective

A competitive or determined progression toward achieving a particular goal, position, or result, often involving several participants or competing interests.

3.1. Achievement and advancement

Describes an ongoing effort by individuals, organizations, or groups to attain a goal, gain an advantage, or reach a desired position ahead of others.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The race for technological leadership has intensified in recent years.
  • Several nations are engaged in a race to develop more efficient energy sources.

Related Words

NOUN

4. Fast-moving water or water channel

A strong current of flowing water or a narrow artificial channel designed to carry water, particularly to or from a place where it is used for industrial purposes.

4.1. Water currents and streams

Refers to a rapidly flowing body or current of water, especially one moving with considerable force through a natural or confined watercourse.

Synonyms

  • current
  • stream
  • rivulet
  • rill
  • brook

Examples

  • The race of water rushed through the narrow mountain passage.
  • The powerful race carried debris downstream after the heavy rain.

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4.2. Artificial water channels

Describes a constructed channel that directs water toward or away from a mill, industrial facility, or other location where the water is needed.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Water flowed through the race to power the old mill.
  • The millrace directed water toward the machinery.

Related Words

  • mill
  • millpond
  • sluice
  • aqueduct
  • canal
  • waterwheel
  • drainage

NOUN

5. Career or course of life

The course of an individual's life, professional development, or ongoing activities, particularly when viewed as a continuous journey involving achievements, challenges, and experiences.

5.1. Career and professional development

Used figuratively to describe the progression of someone's professional life, occupation, or sustained pursuit of success.

Synonyms

Examples

  • She devoted much of her race through life to advancing medical research.
  • His professional race took him from a small workshop to an international business.

Related Words

NOUN

6. Human population distinguished by ancestry or characteristics

A historically used classification of human populations based on perceived shared ancestry, inherited physical characteristics, or geographical origins.

6.1. Human ancestry and ethnic classification

Refers to a historically recognized grouping of people based on perceived common ancestry, heritage, geographical origin, or inherited physical traits. The term is socially and historically significant, although human genetic variation does not divide neatly into discrete biological races.

Synonyms

  • ethnic group
  • people
  • population
  • ethnicity

Examples

  • The study examined how race and ancestry influence social experiences.
  • People from different racial backgrounds contributed to the cultural diversity of the city.

Related Words

NOUN

7. Breed or biological variety

A distinct population, breed, strain, or variety of organisms sharing particular inherited characteristics that distinguish them from other members of the same species or group.

7.1. Animal breeds and strains

Used to identify a particular breed or strain of domesticated animals distinguished by inherited physical traits, behavior, or other characteristics.

Synonyms

Examples

  • This race of cattle is particularly well adapted to tropical climates.
  • The breeder developed a new strain of horses with exceptional endurance.

Related Words

7.2. Biological populations and subspecies

Refers to a geographically or genetically differentiated population within a species, traditionally described as a race or informal subspecies.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The researchers documented a distinct race of plants adapted to the mountain environment.
  • This biological variety developed different characteristics after becoming geographically isolated.

Related Words

NOUN

8. Type or category of something

A particular kind, type, or category of something that possesses distinctive characteristics and may represent a newer or different form of an existing class.

8.1. Kinds and categories

Used figuratively to distinguish a particular type or class of person, thing, or phenomenon based on its characteristic qualities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • This new race of entrepreneurs approaches business with a different mindset.
  • The technology has created an entirely new breed of digital services.

Related Words

NOUN

9. Characteristic quality or flavor

A distinctive quality, character, or combination of characteristics that reveals the nature, origin, or particular identity of something, especially the flavor and character of wine.

9.1. Wine flavor and character

Describes the distinctive taste, flavor, strength, or overall character of wine that reflects its origin, grapes, and production qualities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The wine possessed a distinctive race and character that reflected its region of origin.
  • The sommelier described the wine's flavor and bouquet in detail.

Related Words

9.2. Distinctive nature or disposition

Refers to the particular character, temperament, or defining qualities that distinguish an individual, group, or thing from others.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The race of the old institution was reflected in its long-standing traditions.
  • Her distinctive character and temperament made her stand out from the group.

Related Words

NOUN

10. Rhizome or root

A root or underground stem, particularly the rhizome of ginger, used as a plant structure or as a source of culinary and medicinal ingredients.

10.1. Ginger and plant roots

Refers to the underground rhizome or root of ginger and similar plant structures, particularly in botanical or historical culinary usage.

Synonyms

  • rhizome
  • root
  • ginger root

Examples

  • The herbal preparation contained race, a traditional name for ginger root.
  • The rhizome was harvested and dried for use as a spice.

Related Words

  • ginger
  • tuber
  • rootstock
  • underground stem
  • botany
  • spice

NOUN

11. Rolling-element bearing track

A ring-shaped surface or track in a rolling-element bearing along which balls or rollers move to reduce friction and support mechanical loads.

11.1. Mechanical bearings and components

Refers to the inner or outer track of a rolling-element bearing that makes contact with its rolling elements and provides a smooth surface for their movement.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The technician inspected the bearing race for signs of wear.
  • A damaged raceway can cause excessive friction and mechanical noise.

Related Words

  • bearing
  • ball bearing
  • roller
  • rolling element
  • inner ring
  • outer ring
  • friction
  • lubrication

VERB

12. Participation in a competitive contest

To take part in a competition in which individuals, teams, animals, or vehicles attempt to achieve an objective or reach a destination before their opponents.

12.1. Sports and competitive events

Used when an individual, team, animal, or vehicle participates in a race or other organized competition.

Synonyms

Examples

  • She will race in the national swimming championships next month.
  • The two cyclists raced against each other for the final position.

Related Words

VERB

13. Moving or traveling at high speed

To move, travel, or drive very quickly, often with urgency or considerable energy.

13.1. Rapid physical movement

Describes moving swiftly from one place to another, often with urgency, sudden acceleration, or an intention to arrive quickly.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The children raced across the playground after the bell rang.
  • He raced through the crowded streets to reach the station.
  • The car raced down the highway at an excessive speed.

Related Words

13.2. Accelerating or increasing rapidly

Used figuratively to describe a process, activity, or development that accelerates or progresses at an increasingly rapid rate.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Technological development continues to race ahead.
  • The pace of change raced forward as new innovations emerged.

Related Words

VERB

14. Running an engine at high speed

To cause an engine or motor to run at a high rotational speed, particularly when it is not connected to a load or transmission.

14.1. Motor and engine operation

Describes increasing an engine's revolutions per minute, often by pressing the accelerator while the vehicle is stationary or the engine is disengaged from its transmission.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The mechanic raced the engine to test its performance.
  • He raced the motor while checking for unusual vibrations.

Related Words