ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü How to pronounce ensue (audio)
en-
ensued; ensuing

transitive verb

: to strive to attain : pursue
I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing itRupert Brooke

intransitive verb

: to take place afterward or as a result
Choose the Right Synonym for ensue

follow, succeed, ensue, supervene mean to come after something or someone.

follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

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

ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples of ensue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The idea is to plug the ensuing tax revenue shortfall by eliminating tax incentives, including, among others, credits for the restoration of historic structures. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 With chaos sure to ensue, the trailer transitions to a lighter note. Esther Kang, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 There will be chains of ensuing changes, like one slowly toppling domino after another. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 17 Nov. 2024 The Broncos sacked him seven times in the Bucs’ Week 3 home loss, but only nine sacks have ensued in the Bucs’ six games since then. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensue 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ensivre (3rd singular ensiut), from en- + sivre to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ensue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ensue

Cite this Entry

“Ensue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensue. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ensue

verb
en·​sue in-ˈsü How to pronounce ensue (audio)
ensued; ensuing
: to come at a later time or as a result : follow
ensuing effects

More from Merriam-Webster on ensue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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