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 lead-up to All Out was full of reports of backstage friction and animosity, setting the stage for the confrontation that ensued. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025

The unexpected imposition of martial law on December 3 and the ensuing political upheaval sent shockwaves through South Korea, and raised concern among allies such as the United States under former President Joe Biden, who had seen Yoon as a key partner in efforts to counter China and North Korea. —Joyce Lee and Ju-Min Park, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

President Trump ended de minimis in a February executive order before reversing himself days later as chaos ensued. —Alana Semuels, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025

No stock was spared from the drill because no company would be spared from the ensuing recession. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025