as in next
being the one that comes immediately after another
the following morning, I found the cat was gone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in pursuing
to go after or on the track of
let's follow the boys to their hiding place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obeying
to act according to the commands of
follow me, and you'll do OK
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in traversing
to make one's way through, across, or over
followed the path into the garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in noting
to take notice of and be guided by
don't follow his advice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in watching
to keep one's eyes on
stood on the platform and followed the departing train until it disappeared from sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Kalil built a massive following on social media for comedic content and fan-girl interactions with celebrities on red carpets at award shows and events.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 May 2025
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
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
But in a media world where the barriers to entry are more easily surmounted, people with a strong following or fan base can command a sliver all their own that may no longer go to the mainstream outlet for a fix.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Kalil built a massive following on social media for comedic content and fan-girl interactions with celebrities on red carpets at award shows and events.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 May 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
-
William Hartnell - First Doctor The first Doctor Who, and the blueprint for the next 58 years, William Hartnell is the man that began it all.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
-
Boeing - The aircraft maker’s shares gained more than 2% and hit a 52-week high after CEO Kelly Ortberg said its airplane deliveries to China will resume next month after handovers were paused amid a trade war with the Trump administration.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
So, the fact that Viola has her entourage and her followers, and this idea of everyone who’s taken the potion lives within her palace.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
19 May 2025
-
Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images Donald Trump’s jaunt to the Middle East featured an entourage of billionaire tech bros, a fighter-jet escort, and business deals designed to reshape the global landscape of artificial intelligence.—
Will Knight,
Wired News,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Jon Pertwee - Third Doctor Jon Pertwee introduced audiences to the Doctor in color TV, facing off against the Autons in his first serial.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
-
The final three episodes jolt audiences in countless directions.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
In the pursuit of progress, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.—
ByDr. Marita Kinney,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
Deputies began a pursuit of the driver, and Harrison officers assisted by pinning the vehicle, Graddy said.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2025
Preposition
-
But a baseball team’s fortunes can change relatively quickly, and heading into the four-game series this week at Rate Field, the Tigers had the best record in baseball at 39-21, while the Sox were on pace to lose 113 games, after their record-setting 121-loss season of 2024.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
-
The result is the worst-case scenario for Tusk’s government, which was elected after eight toxic years in Polish politics but which has labored in recent months to deliver on its ambitious agenda.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
2 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
-
Guests can choose from 50 rooms and suites with residential-style features, such as full kitchens, washers and dryers, and dining and lounge areas.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2025
-
Each suite of episodes hits Netflix on 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the release date.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Following.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share