What does "traction" mean?
The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power.
Traction
/ˈtɹæk.ʃən/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power.
- Grammar: traction is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: grip, adduction, adhesion, adhesion.
- Useful contrasts: aquaplane, aquaplanes, aquaplaning.
- Usage evidence: Sami started gaining a little bit of traction on social media.
How to use "traction"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "traction" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "traction" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "traction" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "traction" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "traction" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "grip" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "traction", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power. uncountable, usually
- 2 (orthopedics) the act of pulling on a bone or limb (as in a fracture) to relieve pressure or align parts in a special way during healing wordnet
- 3 The condition of being so pulled. uncountable, usually
- 4 the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road) wordnet
- 5 Grip. uncountable, usually
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 The pulling power of an engine or animal. uncountable, usually
- 7 The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface. uncountable, usually
- 8 Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.; The extent of adoption of a new product or service, typically measured in number of customers or level of revenue achieved. uncountable, usually
- 9 Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.; Popular support. uncountable, usually
- 10 Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.; Scholarly interest and research. uncountable, usually
"Despite this somewhat late start, the field of study has gained great traction globally, and since 2015 has even had its own journal: Linguistic Landscape: An International Journal."
- 11 A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb. uncountable, usually
- 12 Collectively, the locomotives of a railroad, especially electric locomotives. uncountable, usually
Verb
- 1 To apply a sustained pull to (a limb, etc.). transitive
Example
"Sami started gaining a little bit of traction on social media."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "traction"?
Common synonyms include: grip, adduction, adhesion, adhesion, adhesive friction, adoption.
How do you use "traction" in a sentence?
Sami started gaining a little bit of traction on social media.
How do you pronounce "traction"?
Pronounced /ˈtɹæk.ʃən/.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin tractio, from Latin tractus, perfect passive participle of verb trahere (“pull”), + noun of action suffix -io (genitive -ionis).