supervene

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈvēn How to pronounce supervene (audio)
Definition of supervenenext
as in to follow
to come after in time it was not the slow-spreading cancer that caused his death but a supervening heart attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of supervene are ensue, follow, and succeed. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

When could ensue be used to replace supervene?

In some situations, the words ensue and supervene are roughly equivalent. However, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

In what contexts can follow take the place of supervene?

While the synonyms follow and supervene are close in meaning, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is succeed a more appropriate choice than supervene?

Although the words succeed and supervene 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

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 supervene The reaction One aftereffect Stanley likely did not forecast was the supervening middle-school bullying. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 8 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supervene
  1. follow
  2. succeed
  3. replace
Verb
  • Journalists covering the Gaza conflict will finally be recognized next week by the Royal Television Society (RTS), following a fortnight-long saga that has seen the RTS attract ire from all corners of the industry.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The 2021 vintage marks the second release of Level Headed, following its inaugural 2019 vintage.
    — Gary Stoller, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • Sarina Wiegman has succeeded as England Women manager by being unashamedly true to her own philosophy, familiar to other Dutch coaches.
    — Michael Cox, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
  • With the award, the star succeeds Cecilia Roth, the last recipient of the honor, after previous editions of this recognition received by such prominent figures from the Ibero-American world as Benicio del Toro (2023), Carmen Maura (2022), Diego Luna (2021), José Sacristán (2020) and Raphael (2019).
    — Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Allow the carpet to dry Let the carpet dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • His spree is the latest in a trend that’s replaced the classic bank heist.
    — Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of replace

Browse Nearby Words

supertaxes
supervene
supervened
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Cite this Entry

“Supervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supervene. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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