SUCCEED Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of succeed are ensue , follow , and supervene . While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," 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 'ensue' be used instead of 'succeed'?

While in some cases nearly identical to succeed , ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development. // after the talk a general discussion ensued

Q: When could 'follow' be used to replace 'succeed'?

The words follow and succeed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence. // speeches followed the dinner

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

The synonyms supervene and succeed are sometimes interchangeable, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable. // unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

succeed

verb

sək-ˈsēd

Definition of succeed next

as in to go

to turn out as planned or desired the advertising campaign that finally succeeded used humor to sell the product

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to thrive

to reach a desired level of accomplishment if you want to succeed in show business, you have to feel comfortable in front of an audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to follow

to come after in time only the results on election day will tell who will succeed the current president

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of succeed are ensue, follow, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," 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 ensue be used instead of succeed?

While in some cases nearly identical to succeed, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When could follow be used to replace succeed?

The words follow and succeed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is supervene a more appropriate choice than succeed?

The synonyms supervene and succeed are sometimes interchangeable, 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 succeed Monroe had just flouted an interview panel’s unanimous recommendation on who should be hired to succeed Bogart, who was retiring that spring after 24 years as principal, and some faculty members were not happy. —

Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Whether Trump can succeed remains an open question. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 In May, Tsai was succeeded by fellow Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te, also called William Lai, who has expressed even greater pro-independence sentiments, drawing anger from China. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Since joining the company and succeeding Anne-Véronique Bruel in the role last year, Elbaz has spent plenty of time at the brand’s stores around the world. —

Sandra Salibian, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for succeed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for succeed

Verb

Tough way for the drive to end for Philly, which opted to kick a short field goal instead of going for the tie.

Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
Filippone recently sold a condo whose agent went into contract, then didn’t send in his client’s application.

Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024