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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 supervene The reaction One aftereffect Stanley likely did not forecast was the supervening middle-school bullying. Scott Hocker, theweek, 8 Feb. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supervene
Verb
  • The Royals had one of the best one-season turnarounds in MLB history, following a 106-loss year with a playoff appearance.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
  • Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Research from the American Medical Association found that nearly all doctors believe AI tools can only succeed if they're fully integrated with electronic health records.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Both productions succeeded in repositioning Salome as a perverse instrument of justice.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen is exiting the band, but the '70s rockers found a familiar face to replace him.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • While there’s no replacing Ashton Jeanty, Fresno State RB Malik Sherrod (172 carries, 966 yards in 2023) was the star of spring and will be joined by promising redshirt freshman Sire Gaines.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Supervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supervene. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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