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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 This was followed by a July 2024 lawsuit, which alleged Brown and members of his crew severely assaulted four men after a concert in Texas. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 17 May 2025 The morbid series first began in 2000 and follows groups of people getting Rube Goldberg machine’d to death by unforeseen domino effects — a timeless concept if there ever was one. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 17 May 2025 Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 Just do something disruptive, stand on it, and not really follow what everybody’s doing. Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for follow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow
Verb
  • Both productions succeeded in repositioning Salome as a perverse instrument of justice.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Research from the American Medical Association found that nearly all doctors believe AI tools can only succeed if they're fully integrated with electronic health records.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • During the mid to late 1980s, McGillis pursued roles on the stage, playing various roles in Shakespeare plays, including The Merchant of Venice and Twelfth Night.
    Georgia Slater, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • Officers pursued the suspect, repeatedly commanding him to drop his weapon, the release states.
    River Valley Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • In the course of its 2 hour, 49 minute running time, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning gives you two fleeting moments that suggest that, yes, even Tom Cruise is required to respect and obey the laws of physics.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • From the Trump Administration's refusal to obey congressional subpoenas to the mishandling of classified documents officials have ignored democratic norms and practices.
    Time, Time, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The trail traverses parks, woodlands, pastures, and cemeteries.
    Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • The 190-mile trail traverses three national parks and is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in England.
    Mike Nolan, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • For now, the following three attractions are excluded: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry Mine-Cart Madness Dragon Racer’s Rally Guests should note that the free Express Passes included with stays at select Universal Orlando resorts may not be used at Epic Universe.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Scientists noted that the fossil showed the presence of specialized feathers called tertials on both wings.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The annual federal holiday recognizing members of the armed forces from any war always falls on the last Monday of May, and this year, Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 26.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • This has been observed across various settings, from judges giving less favorable rulings later in the day to professionals like nurses and air traffic controllers showing reduced cognitive sharpness when mentally depleted.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen is exiting the band, but the '70s rockers found a familiar face to replace him.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Teams deemed the valve needed to be replaced and the rocket needed to be rolled back from the pad to Boeing’s Vertical Integration Facility.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The result is a property that doesn’t chase trends but sets them.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Many chase quick profits in volatile markets, only to freeze when trades turn against them.
    David Billy, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Follow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/follow. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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