Definitions:

1. a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria noun
   • the pursuit of love
2. the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture noun
   • the culprit started to run and the cop took off in pursuit

Synonyms:

• avocation
• by-line
• chase
• following
• hobby
• interest
• pastime
• pursual
• quest
• sideline
• spare-time activity