Definition of follownext
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as in to succeed
to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of follow The Raiders kept the momentum firing in the bottom of the inning, cutting the deficit to two after Clements reached on an error, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored after an errant throw following the groundout. Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 Those humans had been killing elk for a very long time and may have even followed the elk and bison onto the continent. Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 Nick Reiner was born in 1993, followed by their daughter Romy Reiner in 1997. Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 June 2026 At 37 years, 272 days, Staal became the second player age 37 or older to score at least five goals in a Stanley Cup Final, following Brad Marchand’s six in 2025. Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for follow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow
Verb
  • But many national security experts say the deal, while not perfect, succeeded in its main goals of halting Iran's march toward proliferation and enabling effective monitoring of Tehran's nuclear activities.
    Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 June 2026
  • Their goal is to highlight how access to sports and the right support can help students succeed both on and off the field.
    Janay Reece, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • From Idaho legislators to federal lawmakers So far failing to hit pay dirt with legislation in Idaho, Gleason and his family have shifted to pursuing a federal law with similar aims.
    Kevin Fixler June 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2026
  • During Blanche’s first nomination hearing to be deputy attorney general, Tillis specifically asked Blanche to promise not to pursue any politically motivated prosecutions.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • In 2013, Southern Stars players were blackmailed into obeying instructions by having their salaries withheld.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 June 2026
  • Yes, no one deserves to be cheated on, and Kyle could have been better about obeying the rules, but four years?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite his complicated feelings about the reservoir itself, his favorite cottonwood in the hundreds of miles of canyons he’s traversed is on the main body of water, near a kink in the canyon known as the Rincón.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
  • Duncan believes the groups were likely explorers like him, traversing the large, 19th century sewer mains that run underneath parts of the city.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Enforcement of inappropriate corner crossing will continue to be difficult for FWP, but Callaghan notes that enforcement is only one part of the relationship balance that FWP Director Clark noted between private property rights and public-access rights.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
  • Wenders also noted that the film industry must engage in a broader discussion about how to handle controversial material from film history.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Then be sure to read our picks of the best telescopes and binoculars for exploring the night sky, along with our beginner's guide to observing the moon!
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • When rookie left fielder Ryan Ward walked in the seventh inning, the speedier and more defensively sound Alex Call replaced him on the bases.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
  • Check belts and hoses for dryness or cracking, make sure your tires are in good shape and replace coolant fluids.
    Danny Smith, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Fuentes, chased off mainstream platforms, expands and confirms this belief for them.
    Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
  • That chased Lake Creek starter Tripp Riley, a sophomore, and Caden Whitworth came on in relief and promptly induced a double-play comebacker and a popout to center to end the inning.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Follow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follow. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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