sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl 

 also  -ˌkwel

1

: consequence, result

2

a

: subsequent development

b

: the next installment (as of a speech or story)

especially : a literary, cinematic, or televised work continuing the course of a story begun in a preceding one

Synonyms

• aftereffect
• aftermath
• backwash
• child
• conclusion
• consequence
• corollary
• development
• effect
• fate
• fruit
• issue
• outcome
• outgrowth
• precipitate
• product
• result
• resultant
• sequence
• upshot

Examples of sequel in a Sentence

The new film is a sequel to the very successful comedy that came out five years ago.

He is busy writing the book's sequel.

There is an interesting sequel to my date with her that I'll share with you later.

Recent Examples on the Web

The early pickup for the Criminal Minds sequel comes ahead of the crime drama’s Season 3 premiere, which has been set for May 8, followed by weekly drops on Thursdays. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2025

Split Fiction jumps back and forth between sci-fi and fantasy gameplay in a uniquely creative way that according to these reviews, is simply unlike anything else in this industry that is endlessly trying to clone big genres or just keep pumping out sequels. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Lim, who co-wrote the screenplay for the blockbuster feature with Peter Chiarelli, exited the sequel in 2019 due to a pay disparity. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025

Lucy Halliday will star in the series, a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, as Daisy. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French sequele, from Latin sequela, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sequel

• equal
• coequal
• subequal
• unequal

Kids Definition

sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl 

1

: an event that follows or comes afterward : result

2

: a book, motion picture, or television program that continues a story begun in a preceding one

Etymology

Middle English sequel, sequele "follower, series," from early French sequelle (same meaning), from Latin sequella, sequela "follower," from sequi "to follow" — related to consecutive, pursue, second entry 1, sequence

Medical Definition

sequel

noun

se·​quel

ˈsē-kwəl also -ˌkwel

: sequela

gangrene is … a sequel of wounds

—Robert Chawner