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 dispute continued in the parking lot and a physical fight ensued, according to Bower. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025

Viola criticizes how lazy the kids are, and hilarity ensues when tasked with cooking Thanksgiving dinner. —Allison Sadlier, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025

On the first snap of the ensuing series, Cardinals running back Kason Anding scampered 60 yards for a touchdown that left All Saints trailing 14-3. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Nov. 2025

Iowa State scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025

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