Synonym Chooser

How is the word succeed different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of succeed are ensue, follow, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," 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 ensue be used instead of succeed?

While in some cases nearly identical to succeed, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When could follow be used to replace succeed?

The words follow and succeed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is supervene a more appropriate choice than succeed?

The synonyms supervene and succeed are sometimes interchangeable, 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 succeed Nordstrom alum Cathy Smith joined as chief financial officer, succeeding Rachel Ruggeri. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025 Henchman effectively succeeds Ed Horne, who left 160over90 to become COO of On Location. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 Even so, given the math, compromise and coalition are the only ways forward if Lecornu hopes to succeed where his predecessors – both appointed for their strengths in these areas – failed. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 Will shallow patriots succeed in turning our flag into a religious icon by giving it the status of a graven image? Emery J Cummins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for succeed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succeed
Verb
  • While the most obvious advice is to not drive through deep floods, people want to get to their destinations and often go right into the asphalt swamp.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, on The Bold and the Beautiful, Ridge has had his own will-they-won't-they situation going with Rebecca Budig's Taylor Hayes.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This is a young and talented group with tremendous upside under a defensive coordinator who thrives off chaotic defensive lines.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • From Harlem’s iconic cultural institutions to Brooklyn’s creative hubs, NYC’s Black singles thrive in a landscape of endless possibilities and community pride.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Never follow your boyfriend to college, especially a seemingly mediocre college, as Belly does with Jeremiah to the fictional Finch.
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To catch up on Day 3, please click below.
    William Earl, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the mockumentary format that The Office popularized has flourished in a host of other series, which did not go unnoticed among the show’s producers.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In the background, policy advocates are pushing for a safe harbor model as a legal middle ground, where innovation can flourish without being stifled by excessive regulation.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ryan was replaced in the third inning by right-handed reliever — and former Royal — Thomas Hatch.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Our testers especially loved that the granules are packaged in an ergonomic plastic jug that makes lifting and tilting it a breeze when replacing the litter.
    Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sidefeel Corduroy Wide-leg Pants Corduroy is the epitome of fall fashion, and these flare pants deliver all the cozy, retro vibes without sacrificing comfort.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Under orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), the pair must traverse enemy lines to deliver a life-or-death message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), halting an attack that would endanger more than 1,000 men.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That time finally arrived against Eastern Washington.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Cárdenas, who served in Colombia’s national police and arrived in Ukraine to fight in April 2024, surrendered to Russian forces when his unit failed to defend a position in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk.
    Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Succeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succeed. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on succeed

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