following 1 of 4

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

4 of 4

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
6

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
Cassie appeared with her baby bump in a following close-up shot as Fine’s hands cradled her stomach. Kayla Grant, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Serena Williams and Meghan Markle's Friendship Timeline Lilibet appeared alongside Williams in a following post as the pair continued to play Candy Land while Meghan, dressed in a loose-fitting navy-blue top and pants, watched. Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
Despite glowing reviews and a loyal following, the commercial momentum just wasn’t fast enough in a crowded season. Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 June 2025 The duet arrived on streaming platforms and digital storefronts just days after the original, and Minaj’s following reacted quickly. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
What To Know For years following the Great Recession, the country built much fewer homes than needed. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 Swim in a direction following the shoreline. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for following
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following
Adjective
  • For Lillard, for Tatum — and now, quite probably, for Haliburton — the issues will linger into next season or rob of them of the chance to play in 2025-26 entirely.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Every week, Bee would send out the readings for the next class, which were often how-to guides for things like makeup and hair, lip syncing, song memorizing, and choreography.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Mansfield and her entourage were traveling from a nightclub performance in Biloxi, Miss. to New Orleans.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Some members of Juventus’ entourage, including players, were not aware they would be unveiled at a press conference before attending the event.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • On June 2, before a raucous audience of roughly 100 friends, family, and alums, the students graduated as actual drag performers.
    David Mack, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
  • If approved, the music hall will accommodate an audience of 728 people and a stage big enough to support a symphony orchestra, according to MYAC CEO Allen Dennis.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • But the relentless pursuit of perfection would eventually derail her health and fertility.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Two hours later, the pursuit ended with Boelter crawling to police.
    Nathan Layne, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Preposition
  • The sense of relief for Wales after qualifying, at last, for their first major women’s tournament is palpable and powerful.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Creative liberties Harry went to the doctor after experiencing two symptoms (played for cringey laughs from viewers).
    Angela Haupt, Time, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • But battling isn’t the same as succeeding.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
  • As job roles continue to shift, the professionals who can combine technical knowledge with creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability will be the ones driving change and succeeding in the future of work.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Nebraska is all in on pursuing Millard South tight end Isaac Jensen.
    Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Countries in Africa and the Americas are pursuing an end to river blindness by 2035.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Meanwhile the Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort has 178 rooms, suites and villas; a rooftop bar with ocean views; and a spa and fitness center.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The state-of-the-art stadium includes a two-tier seating bowl with an elevated main concourse, sideline balconies with clubs, suites, and a press box, and a tensile cable canopy roof.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Following.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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