Synonyms of ensue

ensue

verb

as in to follow

to come at a later time; to happen as a result

When the news broke, a long period of chaos ensued.

Related Words

• follow
• supersede
• replace
• supplant
• displace
• supervene
• succeed
• postdate

Dissimilar Words

• precede
• predate
• antedate

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of ensue are follow, succeed, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When can follow be used instead of ensue?

In some situations, the words follow and ensue are roughly equivalent. However, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When might succeed be a better fit than ensue?

The meanings of succeed and ensue largely overlap; however, 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 would supervene be a good substitute for ensue?

Although the words supervene and ensue have much in common, supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ensue

But on the ensuing kickoff, Evans’ Brian Dillard went 90 yards to score. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Trillions of dollars flowed into those products in the ensuing decades, but bank deposits are higher than ever. — Omid Malekan, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Romantic, criminal and naughty hijinks ensue and bonds are tested — and ultimately reinforced. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Those quarterfinals are best-of-three, before turning into single elimination for the ensuing rounds. — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026