Synonyms of supervene

supervene

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈvēn 

as in to follow

to come after in time

it was not the slow-spreading cancer that caused his death but a supervening heart attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• follow
• succeed
• replace
• supersede
• postdate
• supplant
• ensue
• displace

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• precede
• antedate
• predate

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of supervene are ensue, follow, and succeed. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

When could ensue be used to replace supervene?

In some situations, the words ensue and supervene are roughly equivalent. However, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

In what contexts can follow take the place of supervene?

While the synonyms follow and supervene are close in meaning, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is succeed a more appropriate choice than supervene?

Although the words succeed and supervene 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supervene

The reaction One aftereffect Stanley likely did not forecast was the supervening middle-school bullying. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 8 Feb. 2024