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

That doesn’t go according to plan, and chaos ensues as Gracie tackles Cheryl for the crown in the iconic on-screen moment. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Chaos ensues as all three adult kids and their offspring move in. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

In the ensuing episodes, the show tracks Anton’s changing relationship with Issa after her breakup, and in the season finale, Issa finally gives Anton permission to hook up with her ex-boyfriend. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

The ensuing head-on collision when his car drifted into an oncoming lane left Shanahan with broken bones, facial lacerations, a concussion and regrets. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 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