ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

en-

ensued; ensuing

transitive verb

: to strive to attain : pursue

I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing it.

—Rupert 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

During the ensuing pursuit, the Lexus kept its lights off, reached speeds up to 65 mph and went airborne multiple times, the report says. — arkansasonline.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In Job, a breakout Off–Off Broadway work that made it to Broadway, a tech employee confronted her therapist with a gun and demanded to be reinstated at her job, and then the twists ensued from there. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Further complications ensue as Wyatt and Kai’s flirtation escalates in ways that are supposed to make viewers feel uncomfortable, but not grossed out. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

During the ensuing search, deputies found Iowa Hill resident Cheryl Macy, 76, shot to death inside her home. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for ensue

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

ensued; ensuing

: to come at a later time or as a result : follow

ensuing effects