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

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.

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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

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 ensue The United Nations reported that over the ensuing decade, more than 300,000 civilians were killed. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Oswego tied the game on its ensuing drive and pulled ahead in the second quarter for a 21-13 lead. — Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 The ensuing encounter prompted Moore's arrest and criminal charges. — Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Police said Ramos died at the hospital and a homicide investigation ensued. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensue

Verb

Carillo delivered a speech so rousing, witty and tender all at once that following her became something of an impossibility.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Braden Montgomery singled and Colson Montgomery followed with the three-run home run, giving the Sox a 4-0 lead.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of follow

Verb

Genesis also argued that the county lacked authority to revoke the permits because federal law supersedes local regulations.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
However, such designs may now be superseded by austere sites that allow agents to act efficiently on our behalf.

— George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of supersede

Verb

Other goals, like a lactation room, upgrading the fire alarm system to a voice evacuation system for the whole building and replacing the elevator came later.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Summary Despite the digital shift, leading retailers are leveraging AI to enhance human customer connections, not replace them.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of replace

Verb

But over time, people’s loyalty to online brands may be supplanted by the efficacy of their interfaces for agents.

— George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
The e-Gear, which utilized paddle shifters, allowed for rapid gear changes without the use of a clutch pedal and would soon supplant the manual as the marque’s transmission of choice.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of supplant

Verb

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that about 10 percent of Chocó’s population — 69,000 people — were affected or displaced by the earthquake, per AP.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Four families are displaced and the American Red Cross is on the scene providing assistance.

— Joe Brandt, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of displace

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“Ensue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensue. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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