Detect
Detect verb - To come upon after searching, study, or effort.
Usage example: I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup
Track down is a synonym for detect in discover topic. In some cases you can use "Track down" instead a verb "Detect", when it comes to topics like catch.
Track down
Track down verb - To come upon after searching, study, or effort.
Usage example: I'll try to track down his last known address
Detect is a synonym for track down in find topic. You can use "Detect" instead a verb "Track down", if it concerns topics such as lay hands on, discover or be discovered.
Mutual synonyms
Both terms in one sentence
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Likewise, detectives Freamon and Pryzbylewski show how to crack codes, detect patterns and track down the criminals' money using math.
Source: Everybody Hates Mathematics
Cite this Source
Track down and Detect. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/detect/track_down
Detect & Track down. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/detect/track_down>.
Track down or Detect. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/detect/track_down.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "detect" and "track down" have occurred on timeline