Synonym Chooser

How is the word succeed different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of succeed are ensue, follow, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," 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 can ensue be used instead of succeed?

While in some cases nearly identical to succeed, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When could follow be used to replace succeed?

The words follow and succeed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is supervene a more appropriate choice than succeed?

The synonyms supervene and succeed are sometimes interchangeable, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Example 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 succeed With the award, the star succeeds Cecilia Roth, the last recipient of the honor, after previous editions of this recognition received by such prominent figures from the Ibero-American world as Benicio del Toro (2023), Carmen Maura (2022), Diego Luna (2021), José Sacristán (2020) and Raphael (2019). Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025 The expansions, including the addition of disability coverage, were enacted by succeeding Congresses and presidents — most of them during the administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Republican. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 Source: Microsoft Microsoft said Wednesday that company veteran Amy Coleman will become its new executive vice president and chief people officer, succeeding Kathleen Hogan, who has held the position for the past decade. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 Related Stories The return-to-form album can typically succeed on the back of familiarity; day-one fans will always be chasing the high that an artist’s breakthrough once offered. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for succeed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succeed
Verb
  • Humans generate memories during their very first months of life, but where do those memories go?
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Ryan Foscolo went 3-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI for Hagerty (14-2), while Stephen Chucka had a triple, double and RBI and Brandon Levy and Nathaniel Rhodes each added doubles and an RBI.
    Steve Gorches, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Companies that will thrive in the future will be those that can build and manage resilient and sustainable supply chains.
    Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2025
  • My vision is to transform our city into a destination location—a place where people and families can thrive, drawn in by our vibrant businesses, our bustling downtown area, and our beautiful location on the Fox River.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The tractor-trailers were partly submerged in Morey Pond on the Ashford-Union line following the collision, according to the warrant affidavit for the arrest of Desruisseaux.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
  • It’s found in the mind fog following the relief of a big win at work, the hours spent zoning out instead of caring for yourself by getting a good night’s sleep, and the failure to listen to your child tell you about their day due to an obsession with getting your inbox to zero.
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Here are the top scams to watch out for: Phishing Scams: Fraudsters send emails or texts impersonating the IRS or other tax entities, urging recipients to click malicious links.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Defensive transfers must click for Chris Ash At the most reductive level, Notre Dame will replace Xavier Watts, Howard Cross and Jordan Clark with Jalen Stroman, Jared Dawson and Devonta Smith.
    Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There is no reason to weaken or eliminate the copyright protections that have helped America flourish.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In the capital city, Khartoum, galleries had just begun to flourish; formal institutions and community centers were taking shape; and discussions of a National Museum of Art were underway.
    Omnia Saed, ARTnews.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Allow the carpet to dry Let the carpet dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The grant would have allowed Butte to replace hazardous dead trees, while also staffing up the urban forestry department.
    Eva Tesfaye, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The companies that jump curves and develop the new tools and skills that deliver what matters to today’s customers will win.
    Barry Libert, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • However, on the day the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts delivered his pep talk to the Palisades High baseball team, the school newspaper was not there to cover it.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The creature who arrived third did not take the shortcut.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • That is, almost 19 hours after crossing the ecliptic, the moon arrives at new phase but by then the axis of its shadow passes well to the north of Earth.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Succeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succeed. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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