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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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 of ensue in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Those deeper realities get obscured and potentially squashed when power struggles ensue and a person feels like they’re being punished, Whitlock said. —

Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 Similar accusations from a number of women have followed the artist in the ensuing 15 years, in addition to unrelated lawsuits, arrests, and detainments. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Somehow, after Gonzaga short-circuited on the ensuing kickoff and allowed a 77-yard DeMatha return TD with 29 seconds remaining, the Eagles didn’t buckle. —

Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024 During the ensuing investigation, police found Aranda’s blood in the trunk of Shover’s vehicle as well as evidence of Shover's attempts to purchase a weapon. —

Christine Pelisek, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensue

Verb

During the rapprochement between China and the United States in the 1970s (which followed the split between China and the Soviet Union), North Korea hosted Soviet naval ships in its ports and allowed Soviet fighter jets to enter North Korean airspace.

Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Bucky Irving opened the fourth quarter with a 14-yard run on third-and-2, then followed that with a 12-yard touchdown dash past six defenders for the Bucs’ first lead of the game, 17-13.

Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024