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

Crews are also repairing roads in Topanga Canyon after the fire and ensuing rain damaged them and closed the community to outside traffic. —Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026

Eddy Piñeiro’s ensuing point-after kick pushed the 49ers ahead 17-16; Piñeiro missed the final PAT after Purdy’s go-ahead strike to McCaffrey. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026

But Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was unable to connect with DeVonta Smith on third-and-11, forcing a season-altering fourth down on the ensuing play. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

The Chargers picked up back-to-back first downs to open their ensuing drive. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 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