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
  • The attacks into Sumy follow a Kremlin directive on May 21 that the military create buffer zones inside northern Ukraine – in Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • What is this nagging discomfort that's seeming to follow me around?
    — Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • To succeed and avoid harming your personal financial health, a clear structure and commitment to intentional financial actions are essential.
    — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • If being the vanguard means exerting power, Smotrich has succeeded.
    — Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • There were a few obvious hurdles: Tom Holland, who played Gregory Cromwell, was now too famous, and Bernard Hill, who starred as the Duke of Norfolk, died before production (he was replaced with Timothy Spall).
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • Digital systems should incorporate and enhance traditional knowledge, not replace it.
    — Persa Sakellaridi, Forbes.com, 2 June 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 7 Jun. 2025.

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