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 next

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Hard to believe there have ever been such a drastic difference in output from one four-game span to an ensuing quartet. —

Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024 There the bottle remained, unbeknownst to anyone over the ensuing decades. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024 Extend the range to the 20, and opponents have scored on just five of 22 ensuing drives. —

Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 The idea is to plug the ensuing tax revenue shortfall by eliminating tax incentives, including, among others, credits for the restoration of historic structures. —

Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensue

Verb

The reconciliation of Jamie returning is going to play out in episodes to follow and maybe even series to follow.

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Cross claimed the department violated his First Amendment rights in a lawsuit following the action.

Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 7 Dec. 2024