Definition of followingnext
as in next
being the one that comes immediately after another the following morning, I found the cat was gone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

following

2 of 4

noun

1
as in entourage
a body of employees or servants who accompany and wait on a person a prince with a large following to do practically everything for him

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2
as in audience
a group of people showing intense devotion to a cause, person, or work (as a film) that rock star attracts quite a following

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

following

3 of 4

preposition

as in after
subsequent to in time or order following the concert, there will be refreshments in the lobby

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

following

4 of 4

verb

present participle of follow
1
as in succeeding
to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
6

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 following
Adjective
Despite Sanders' criticism, the gravy continues to have a loyal following decades later. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 Key Background Hamilton was a former GOP congressional candidate in Virginia, and grew a following online for his criticisms of the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene. Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
Noun
Markey has a strong following of young supporters, some of whom say that the internal party debate is more over policy than age. ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The jarring post struck a chord with Miguel’s IG following, as an outpouring of support flooded his comment section. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
Preposition
Campbell appeared emotional following Wednesday’s hearing. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 New York City's LaGuardia Airport reopened Monday following Sunday night's runway crash. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
Hong Kong’s position as a once-outspoken corner of China has been upended in recent years by a national security crackdown following huge and often violent democracy protests that convulsed the city in 2019. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 The city also recognized the frustration some residents had following the July 18 bus crash and encouraged them to submit formal claims. CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for following
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following
Adjective
  • The film from writer-director Elle Sofe Sara will get a theatrical release in early 2027 before launching on digital platforms later next year.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This metric measures contracted revenue expected to be realized over the next 12 months, so a mid-teens growth rate is bullish.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Davis described the shooting as an act of retaliation after Knight and Shakur’s entourage beat up Davis’ nephew hours before the shooting.
    Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At eleven-thirty, the rig rolled slowly off the lot and began its stately procession onto Santa Monica Boulevard, surrounded by an entourage of patrol cars.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The series made that departure without sacrificing character depth – each member of the ensemble was given distinct motivation and a narrative arc, allowing audiences to build investment across the run.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Closing out her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival in Southern California, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter united and amplified an audience of tens of thousands.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In a great dramatic irony, his artistic pursuits, far away from the regimented goal of militaristic stoicism, lead to his initial tryout.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But the same steadfast pursuit that’s placed the attorney at the center of nearly every call for racial justice in the past decade has earned Crump more than a few detractors.
    Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Preposition
  • Currently, free agency begins five days after the World Series, with no expiration on when players can sign.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Billie is a pro at this by now, which extends to wingman-ing, but Issa totally lost her skills after being out of the game so long.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At present, markets have largely anticipated Andy Burnham succeeding Starmer.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Parton and my mom taught that literacy was key to succeeding — Mami regularly took us to the library, while Dolly created a nonprofit that provides free books to young children, including Spanish-language options.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The firm is currently pursuing technology evaluations, supply agreements, and corporate partnerships to expand production.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Bonta added that the state is in communication with Snap, and is pursuing conversations with TikTok, with hopes that YouTube will also come to the table.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • People are riding e-bikes and e-motorcycles, sometimes riding recklessly, traveling at high speeds, or not obeying the rules of the road.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The department reminds motorists to drive cautiously through the area, obeying posted speed limit and road work signage.
    Isabelle Foland, Des Moines Register, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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