following 1 of 4

Definition of followingnext
as in next
being the one that comes immediately after another the following morning, I found the cat was gone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

following

2 of 4

noun

1
as in entourage
a body of employees or servants who accompany and wait on a person a prince with a large following to do practically everything for him

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2
as in audience
a group of people showing intense devotion to a cause, person, or work (as a film) that rock star attracts quite a following

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3

following

3 of 4

preposition

as in after
subsequent to in time or order following the concert, there will be refreshments in the lobby

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

following

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verb

present participle of follow
1
as in succeeding
to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 following
Adjective
If the measure passes, violators would face penalties under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, including an up to $10,000 fine for a first offense and a $25,000 fine for any following offenses. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026 Drivers are advised to use extra caution this morning, allow greater following distance, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
Alexander has built a following of more than 6 million on Instagram. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 And as a result of the new regulation, millions of influencers who built massive followings dispensing skin care tips, investment strategies, and medical advice found their accounts frozen or under review overnight. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Preposition
New York City's LaGuardia Airport reopened Monday following Sunday night's runway crash. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026 The Manhattan District Attorney's Office released the video on Tuesday afternoon following day 6 of hearings to determine if evidence will be excluded from Mangione's trial. Adam Sabes , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
The Guardians went on to load the bases following back-to-back walks issued by Cabrera, but the Cubs got out of it thanks to reliever Caleb Thielbar forcing Bo Naylor to pop out to end the inning. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 The following month, a hit squad, reportedly acting on bin Salman’s orders, strangled Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist who had been critical of the regime, and used a bone saw to dismember his corpse. Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for following
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following
Adjective
  • But the next morning, the equipment had to be pulled.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Take this mug on the next camping trip or just for your morning coffee.
    Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, Brown was sued for $50 million for allegedly attacking four fans backstage at his concert in Fort Worth (his entourage and tour promoter Live Nation were also named in the lawsuit).
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Gennett's wife, Valerie Giacobbe, yelled toward the entourage.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His appearance was a surprise even to his colleagues, who stood up and applauded enthusiastically as the audience whooped and hollered.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Ben’s brilliant direction, coupled with Simon’s fabulous screenplay and our all-star cast have drawn in a wide family audience looking for the wit and wonder which the film provides.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Video uploaded to social media shows Peralta speeding through the neighborhood with an NYPD squad car in pursuit.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The pursuit crossed into Frederick County, Maryland, where police said Leatherman was driving 120 mph at times.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Upon his arrival, Trautwein signed two transfers from his former school, guard TJ Shanahan and tackle Egan Boyer, and convinced Emeka Ugorji to leave Stanford for the SEC after a promising true freshman season.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The Oilers scored on all three power-play chances in the best performance for that unit since Leon Draisaitl went down with a lower-body injury on March 15 after scoring with the man advantage early in that game.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Riedy plans to retire on April 30 as the president of Visit Lake County, with Maguire succeeding her in the top role on May 1 in Gurnee after a vote by the organization’s Board of Directors.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Some Idaho lawmakers have tried to bring down Boise’s Pride flag since last year, ultimately succeeding this year after the Legislature added a fine for violating a 2025 law that banned Pride and many other flags on government property.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The broader mission goal is to demonstrate the capabilities that are considered critical to the success of future space missions, including establishing a permanent presence on the moon and ultimately pursuing missions deeper into space, including Mars.
    Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
  • This mission will target the south polar region, where companies and countries alike are pursuing the scientific and economic prospects of lunar water ice.
    Christopher Cokinos, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Judge Schneider added that the dismissal is also contingent on Hill obeying all laws for the next two years.
    Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Spacecraft moved in silence, obeying the laws of physics.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Following.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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