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

Relevance

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 Williamson’s narrative helped spur the spectacular growth of stories about white slavery around the world over the ensuing half century, even as the enslavement of Black people expanded in the American South. —

Gunther Peck / Made By History, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 The home's security cameras captured the chaos that ensued as the family sprang into action to retrieve the runaway dog. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 When his father is murdered that rejection takes on new importance in turning him into the villain of this piece and key motivation for all the battles that ensue. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024 Texas was beaten in three conference championship games while playing in the Big 12, and the Longhorns then went 2-1 in their ensuing bowl games. —

Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensue

Verb

The novel follows Violet Sorrengail, whose commanding mother denies her entry to the safe Scribe Quadrant and forces her into Basgiath War College, where students fight to become elite dragon riders.

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
The compromise with Democrats follows the same playbook Johnson has resorted to several times since Republicans took control of the House two years ago with only a slim majority.

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 18 Dec. 2024