follow 1 of 2

Definition of follownext
1
as in to succeed
to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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follows

2 of 2

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of follow
1
as in replaces
to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word follow different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of follow are ensue, succeed, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is it sensible to use ensue instead of follow?

While the synonyms ensue and follow are close in meaning, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When is succeed a more appropriate choice than follow?

Although the words succeed and follow have much in common, 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

When can supervene be used instead of follow?

The words supervene and follow can be used in similar contexts, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of follow
Verb
However, there are a few basic guidelines for growing them that are important to follow to keep them looking and growing their best. Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 12 May 2026 The chair of the Israeli parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Boaz Bismuth, reflected the prevailing view in a tweet following a classified briefing with senior military leaders. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Verb
For clarity, offensive three-second violations are called in Euroleague action — which follows FIBA rules — for men and women. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026 Elkann, a keen offshore sailor himself, says Hypersail follows in the footsteps of Ferrari’s passion for endurance, drawing inspiration from the Ferrari 499P hypercar, which has won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans three years in a row since the team’s return to endurance racing in 2023. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for follow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow
Verb
  • Staffiere succeeds Michael Colombo, who led the Lancers to their first Div.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • The ability that one in a leadership position has to try to help everyone else succeed is an incredible gift.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The drone logistics sector has largely pursued faster, heavier aircraft capable of carrying large deliveries over long distances.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • The duo originally conceived the company while studying at Cornell University, ultimately choosing to leave their studies to pursue that mission.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Guido Reichstadter was safely removed from the bridge and is charged with crowding, obstructing or incommoding, unlawful entry and failing to obey an officer, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told Fox News Digital.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
  • Washington police charged Reichstadter with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, unlawful entry and failure to obey an officer.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The wheels will provide excellent reliability and energy efficiency for traversing the Lunar surface, while the arms provide great dexterity to manipulate objects.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
  • Again, his narration for the eight-part series, which used captivating cinematography and told dramatic stories of animals traversing the natural world, won an Emmy.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The higher-than-normal temperatures will not last, Larson noted.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • On one of the main topics, Beccera noted that the state needs to invest in early years education and reduce class sizes to ensure students have a strong educational foundation for their future success.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Gastonia officials said existing city staff working throughout the community have been assigned to observe and report potential violations while also responding to complaints from residents.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
  • Collectors use a special ant farm called a formicarium, essentially a large glass or clear plastic box, to house and observe ants.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The building itself spans about 3,700 sq m (40,000 sq ft) and replaces an older facility from 1949 that the neighborhood has long outgrown, offering space for a gymnasium, a childcare center, a basketball court, community gathering spots, and various multipurpose rooms.
    Stefan Ionescu May 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2026
  • In April, Bass released a new Climate Action plan for the city that largely replaces the Green New Deal and calls for doubling local solar power by 2030, reducing the use of fossil fuels in buildings and city buses, and addressing heat risk, among other items.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Members pay a monthly fee and serve as virtual ‘co-producers’ on every project, and also are given a say on which projects the studio pursues.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • California law requires school boards to hear public testimony before formally requesting help from the state if the school board pursues this route.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Follow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follow. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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