ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

en-

ensued; ensuing

transitive verb

: to strive to attain : pursue

I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing it.

—Rupert Brooke

intransitive verb

: to take place afterward or as a result

Choose the Right Synonym for ensue

follow, succeed, ensue, supervene mean to come after something or someone.

follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

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

ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples of ensue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So Jaguar decided to change the equation, and the ensuing polarizing response was exactly what the company was looking for, at least to hear Jaguar tell it. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

But after the ensuing inbounds, a Cayden Boozer pass was tipped and stolen by Mullins. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

In many cases, the ensuing chaos, power struggles, and violence lead to widespread displacement, including pushing more individuals to immigrate—both legally and illegally. —Abigail R. Hall, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Amid such a tragedy, the ensuing outcry over the CEO’s language choice might look like a tempest in a teapot. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ensivre (3rd singular ensiut), from en- + sivre to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for ensue

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

ensued; ensuing

: to come at a later time or as a result : follow

ensuing effects