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

As the ball comes in, two players move towards either post and another is positioned at or peels away to the penalty spot, with the ensuing chaos providing opportunities to score. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Strange things ensue a mile high, in the thin air and in a giant ballpark. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

The ensuing evacuation coincides with a criminal operation orchestrated by the suave George Karalis (Theo James) and his muscle -for-hire gang led by the mysterious X (Sam Worthington). —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026

Over the ensuing weeks, investigators with the Memphis Police Department's homicide unit and the Shelby County Medical Examiner's Office uncovered additional human remains during a search of the area. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 22 Apr. 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