“Pursue” can mean chase, seek a goal, continue an activity, investigate a line of inquiry, or keep following something. Its opposite changes with that sense, so the useful contrasts below are not interchangeable.
Which Sense of Pursue Is Being Reversed?
Quick options:
- Abandon
- Withdraw
- Retreat
- Disengage
- Cease
- Halt
- Stop
- Refrain
- Avoid
- Ignore
- Relinquish
- Surrender
- Release
- Dismiss
- Let go
- Stay put
Abandon
Abandon works when you mean stop pursuing a plan, goal, or activity altogether.
Example: The company abandoned the expansion after costs rose.
Withdraw
Withdraw works when you mean remove oneself from an activity, contest, or course of action.
Example: She withdrew from the competition before the final round.
Retreat
Retreat works when you mean move away rather than continue advancing or chasing.
Example: The unit retreated when the route became unsafe.
Disengage
Disengage works when you mean stop being involved in an activity, relationship, or process.
Example: The organization decided to disengage from the negotiations.
Cease
Cease works when you mean bring an activity to an end.
Example: The firm ceased production at the old factory.
Halt
Halt works when you mean stop movement or progress.
Example: Officials halted the search when conditions became dangerous.
Stop
Stop works when you mean the broad everyday opposite of continuing to pursue something.
Example: He stopped looking for a new flat once the lease was renewed.
Refrain
Refrain works when you mean deliberately choose not to carry out an action.
Example: The committee refrained from pursuing the complaint further.
Avoid
Avoid works when you mean keep away from something rather than seek or follow it.
Example: She avoided publicity after the case ended.
Ignore
Ignore works when you mean give no attention to something that could otherwise be followed up.
Example: The team ignored the speculative lead.
Relinquish
Relinquish works when you mean give up a claim, position, right, or objective.
Example: He relinquished his claim to the property.
Surrender
Surrender works when you mean give up resistance, a claim, or an objective.
Example: The group surrendered its demand after mediation.
Release
Release works when you mean let go of something being held, followed, or controlled.
Example: The agency released the matter to another department.
Dismiss
Dismiss works when you mean decide that an idea, option, or line of inquiry is not worth pursuing.
Example: Investigators dismissed the rumour after checking the evidence.
Let go
Let go works when you mean informal phrase for ceasing to hold onto or pursue something.
Example: She eventually let go of the plan to move abroad.
Stay put
Stay put works when you mean remain where one is instead of following or chasing.
Example: The hikers stayed put rather than pursue the animal into the woods.
Choosing the Best Contrast to “Pursue”
Abandon, stop, cease, and halt fit continuation. Withdraw and disengage describe stepping away from involvement. Avoid and ignore fit something not followed or investigated, while relinquish and surrender imply giving up a claim or objective. Retreat and stay put are more literal contrasts to chasing or following movement.