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

Broughton is arrested and the ensuing trial becomes one of the biggest scandals of the century. —Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025

Drop-out rates in Sacramento County During their ensuing discussion, trustees weighed the overwhelming testimony from Rajagopal’s students and families with the troubling aspects of the petition. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025

While Israel’s crippling of the ayatollah’s nuclear and military capabilities is an impressive surprise victory of David over Goliath, the true triumph will come from the prosperity, integration, and mutually beneficial peace that ensues. —Shervin Pishevar, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025

Not many people signed, but immediately following Floyd's murder and the protests that ensued, her petition jumped significantly and garnered over 1.6 million signatures. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 19 June 2025