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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 follow In the year since, GapStudio introduced its debut collection in April 2025, followed by the June summer drop, featuring a campaign starring model Kate Moss’ daughter Lila. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty. Sarah Han, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025 Swim in a direction following the shoreline. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025 Officials said more arrests could follow as the investigation continues. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for follow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow
Verb
  • The independent studio is likely banking on Chalamet’s star power and a holiday release date to deliver the kind of box office results that show its newfound investment in blockbuster filmmaking is succeeding.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Whether any of those challenges succeed would need to be determined by courts.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Attendance is free with proceeds benefiting the Artisan Alliance at Wishing Spring scholarship, which offers continuing support to high school students who pursue the arts in college.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The upcoming spin-off introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Under military law, service members are obligated to obey lawful orders, but to disobey unlawful orders.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • While current power brokers haven’t scrapped movies over their content, yet, Hollywood has a recent history of companies obeying in advance by shelving projects until the tensions cool.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There’s also the issue the many insta-death areas that require wall jumping to traverse.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
  • This 84-mile loop begins and ends in Taos and traverses the high alpine desert of northern New Mexico and several mountain towns, including Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Questa, and Red River.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But critics noted that the bulk of San Diego’s new units are market-rate, and the city is much further behind pace approving subsidized units for moderate-income and low-income residents.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The most recent, published in February, noted that the PFNA assessment was scheduled to be released in the second quarter of the financial year, which ended in June.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Millions of miles of flying feels like an adequate amount of time to observe travelers struggle with bulky items, search endlessly for a gadget in a tangle of monochromatic accessories, and look longingly at their seatmate who seems to have it all together.
    Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • National Taco Day is observed on the first Tuesday of October, according to National Day Calendar.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sailor replaced Aviles in the 78th minute and Morales went in Rodriguez in the 89th minute.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The 31-year-old reliever's absence forced the Dodgers to replace him with Justin Wrobleski.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rather than chasing gimmicks, the company has doubled down on image quality, system reliability, and post-incident usability.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The child ran away from the boy, who is accused of chasing him with the knife.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Follow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follow. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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