Synonyms of ensue

ensue

verb

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

• follow
• supersede
• replace
• supplant
• displace
• supervene
• succeed
• postdate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• precede
• predate
• antedate

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ensue

The ensuing book, a taut, enthralling hybrid of fact and fiction impossible to disentangle, situates itself firmly in the mess — in a host of contradictions and uncertainties. —Emily Eakin, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, some backlash over Elordi's casting in the film ensued. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference is mere days away, with this year’s event starting a few weeks after President Donald Trump’s inauguration and ensuing massive upheaval of the U.S. government. —Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Feb. 2025

Off the ensuing faceoff, Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett dropped the gloves again. —Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025