ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü How to pronounce ensue (audio)
en-
ensued; ensuing

transitive verb

: to strive to attain : pursue
I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing itRupert Brooke

intransitive verb

: to take place afterward or as a result
Choose the Right Synonym for ensue

follow, succeed, ensue, supervene mean to come after something or someone.

follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

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

ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples of ensue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Campillo sensitively captures the ensuing transition between childish fancy and disillusionment, which dovetails neatly with the Frenchmen’s apathetic shedding of colonial ideals — their days there are numbered, and everyone is waiting for the next chapter of their lives to begin. Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024 The ensuing fallout unravels like (and is loosely inspired by) a Greek tragedy, where carnage is inevitable and the players are powerless. Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2024 During the primary campaign, Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7 and the ensuing invasion of Gaza by Israel created an opening for Schiff’s opponents to use the issue to differentiate themselves from the rest of the field. Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The ensuing responses from the companies targeted by this legislation have varied wildly. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 6 Mar. 2024 In the ensuing days, as the body parts were discovered and police launched an investigation, Martin conducted dozens of internet searches for news articles, prosecutors said. CBS News, 6 Mar. 2024 Many of the victims died when they were run over by trucks in the ensuing panic, according to one account. Jeremy Diamond, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 The scandal and ensuing fallout was covered on Season 10 of the Bravo reality show and has remained a storyline on Season 11, which is currently airing. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 The ensuing riots were essentially a cry for help from communities – most protests happened in the primarily Black neighborhoods of Overtown, Liberty City and Brownsville – that felt forgotten. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ensue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ensivre (3rd singular ensiut), from en- + sivre to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ensue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ensue

Cite this Entry

“Ensue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensue. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ensue

verb
en·​sue in-ˈsü How to pronounce ensue (audio)
ensued; ensuing
: to come at a later time or as a result : follow
ensuing effects

More from Merriam-Webster on ensue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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