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

The then-councilman was arrested the next day, and in the ensuing days gave up his council seat after he was criminally charged. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

Crinon received a minor penalty, and Canada scored just 25 seconds into the ensuing power play, per ESPN. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

Over the ensuing decades, Duvall had numerous other memorable turns as tough guys, gruff mentors and men seeking redemption. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026

Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark. —ABC News, 16 Feb. 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