FOLLOW Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'follow' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of follow are ensue , succeed , and supervene . While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence. // speeches followed the dinner

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ensue' instead of 'follow'?

While the synonyms ensue and follow are close in meaning, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development. // after the talk a general discussion ensued

Q: When is 'succeed' a more appropriate choice than 'follow'?

Although the words succeed and follow have much in common, 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 can 'supervene' be used instead of 'follow'?

The words supervene and follow can be used in similar contexts, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable. // unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

verb

ˈfä-(ˌ)lō

Definition of follow next

as in to succeed

to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pursue

to go after or on the track of let's follow the boys to their hiding place

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to obey

to act according to the commands of follow me, and you'll do OK

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to traverse

to make one's way through, across, or over followed the path into the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to note

to take notice of and be guided by don't follow his advice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to observe

to keep one's eyes on stood on the platform and followed the departing train until it disappeared from sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blink
wink

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of follow are ensue, succeed, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is it sensible to use ensue instead of follow?

While the synonyms ensue and follow are close in meaning, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When is succeed a more appropriate choice than follow?

Although the words succeed and follow have much in common, 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 supervene be used instead of follow?

The words supervene and follow can be used in similar contexts, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples 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 follow The Punch Room concept then expanded into other properties in 2018 with Shanghai and Barcelona followed by Madrid and Tampa in 2022 and then Rome, Singapore and Ginza in 2023. —

Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 They're followed by St. Tammany (13.4%) and Jefferson Parish (12.2%). —

Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 Treasury yields swiveled up and down several times following the reports before climbing. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 Fear Is The Rider marks John Michael McDonagh’s fifth directorial feature following pics such as Golden Globes and BAFTA nominated The Guard and Sundance and Berlin prize-winner Calvary. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for follow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow

Verb

The passing of the baton is official: British maestro Alexander Shelley will succeed Carl St.Clair as artistic and musical director of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

Samantha Dunn, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Israel might succeed at temporarily fragmenting the group, but Hezbollah will likely reconsolidate.

Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024