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

The ensuing conflict provoked one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Over the ensuing decade, the plans continued to elicit debate and controversy, pitting supporters of the commission’s vision against members of Congress, railroad interests and real estate developers. — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Braxton and the 57-year-old rapper were engaged toward the end of the 2010s and on-and-off in the ensuing years, only to get back together in late 2023. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

To this day, Dahlia insists that Sub Pop knew about the stunt, only to turn course and drop the band amid the ensuing outrage. — Michael Tedder, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026