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

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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

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 Disorder again ensued at the Jan. 28 commissioners court meeting, as the court approved a new decorum policy amid opposition from Democrats on the court and several Tarrant County residents who spoke out on the change. —

Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2025 The film opens on one such unexplained conflict, setting the tone for the volatile, irregular behavior that ensues. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025 But when the town tried to register its post office in 1887, trouble ensued. —

John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025 The Senators, who led 3-0 when the penalty was called, scored three more on the ensuing extended power play to blow the game open. —

Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ensue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensue

Verb

Steve Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, said presidents can appeal adverse rulings rather than imply they shouldn't be followed.

— Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
Runge’s appointment follows the resignation of Ed Dolman, Phillips’s former CEO and executive chairman, who will transition to a consulting role in May 2025.

— Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 10 Feb. 2025