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

He was also listed as the point of contact for Axon in the ensuing contract. —Michael Barba, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026

The ball was pelted to left field at over 400 feet, and their patented celebration ensued. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026

The Dominican team set a WBC record for home runs in this tournament – and, presumably, a record for ensuing bat flips and elaborate home run trots that turn a perfunctory trip around the bases into a performative celebration of national identity and personal swagger. —Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026

The ensuing match is also loud, filled with laughter, smack talk and maybe an occasional profanity. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 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