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follow

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of follow

1 to come after in time

a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms for follow

Words Related to follow

ensue

Antonyms for follow

2 to go after or on the track of

let's follow the boys to their hiding place

Synonyms for follow

Words Related to follow

Phrases Synonymous with follow

run after

Near Antonyms for follow

head

Antonyms for follow

3 to act according to the commands of

follow me, and you'll do OK

Synonyms for follow

Words Related to follow

Phrases Synonymous with follow

Near Antonyms for follow

disoblige

direct,
lead

Antonyms for follow

4 to make one's way through, across, or over

followed the path into the garden

Synonyms for follow

Words Related to follow

ride,
run

crisscross

5 to take notice of and be guided by

don't follow his advice

Synonyms for follow

Words Related to follow

Near Antonyms for follow

defy,
flout

slight,
snub

Antonyms for follow

6 to keep one's eyes on

stood on the platform and followed the departing train until it disappeared from sight

Synonyms for follow

Words Related to follow

Phrases Synonymous with follow

have one's eye on

Near Antonyms for follow

blink,
wink

Frequently Asked Questions About follow

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