ENSUE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ensue' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of ensue are follow , succeed , and supervene . While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development. // after the talk a general discussion ensued

Q: When can 'follow' be used instead of 'ensue'?

In some situations, the words follow and ensue are roughly equivalent. However, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence. // speeches followed the dinner

Q: When might 'succeed' be a better fit than 'ensue'?

The meanings of succeed and ensue largely overlap; however, succeed implies a coming after immediately in a sequence determined by natural order, inheritance, election, or laws of rank. // she succeeded her father as head of the business

Q: When would 'supervene' be a good substitute for 'ensue'?

Although the words supervene and ensue have much in common, supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable. // unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

ensue

verb

Definition of ensue

as in to follow

to come at a later time; to happen as a result When the news broke, a long period of chaos ensued.

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How is the word ensue different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of ensue are follow, succeed, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When can follow be used instead of ensue?

In some situations, the words follow and ensue are roughly equivalent. However, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When might succeed be a better fit than ensue?

The meanings of succeed and ensue largely overlap; however, succeed implies a coming after immediately in a sequence determined by natural order, inheritance, election, or laws of rank.

she succeeded her father as head of the business

When would supervene be a good substitute for ensue?

Although the words supervene and ensue have much in common, supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ensue The ruling turned out to be consequential, as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw an interception on the ensuing drive and Green Bay maintained its 7-0 lead. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026 Philadelphia kicked a field goal with eight seconds remaining, but Jacksonville returned the ensuing kickoff 53 yards with no timeouts. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Jones flashed his decisiveness and speed on the ensuing play, gaining 14 yards on a quarterback keeper. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 What ensues is the complete batshit breakdown of every form of relationality in the film. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensue

Verb

An emergency program was followed by an initial slowdown in new cases after almost 20 million children received a vaccination in April and May.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Selma Blair’s team has released a lengthy statement regarding the actor’s recent arrest following an incident while aboard a flight.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of follow

Verb

Federal prosecutors brought charges against Cuban military personnel in 2003, but Castro himself was not named as a defendant until the superseding indictment filed this year.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Thus far, this trend is complementing new-aircraft sales, not superseding them.

— Brett Berk, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of supersede

Verb

The Cowboys do not plan on Pettine supplanting Parker as defensive coordinator, but rather allowing the both to work together again in hopes of changing the brutal results on the field over the first five weeks.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
The sophomores got the nod to start through the first four games before Congdon supplanted Alofaituli against Clemson.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of supplant

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“Ensue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensue. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ensue

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