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 then Dylan Laube returned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards to midfield to set up Cousins' 13-yard scoring pass to Jeanty to again assume control. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026

Fans are expected to quiet down as a player is preparing to serve and stay quiet until the ensuing point has completed. — Brian Mahoney, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2026

These chicken thighs take very well to batch-cooking at the start of the week and enjoying in the ensuing days. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026

Sainmervil stepped up with an interception and return to the Wolverines 8-yard line on the ensuing possession. — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026