FOLLOW Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'follow' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of follow are ensue , succeed , and supervene . While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence. // speeches followed the dinner

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ensue' instead of 'follow'?

While the synonyms ensue and follow are close in meaning, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development. // after the talk a general discussion ensued

Q: When is 'succeed' a more appropriate choice than 'follow'?

Although the words succeed and follow 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

Q: When can 'supervene' be used instead of 'follow'?

The words supervene and follow can be used in similar contexts, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable. // unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

verb

ˈfä-(ˌ)lō

Definition of follow next

as in to succeed

to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pursue

to go after or on the track of let's follow the boys to their hiding place

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to obey

to act according to the commands of follow me, and you'll do OK

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to traverse

to make one's way through, across, or over followed the path into the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to note

to take notice of and be guided by don't follow his advice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to observe

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

blink
wink

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of follow are ensue, succeed, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is it sensible to use ensue instead of follow?

While the synonyms ensue and follow are close in meaning, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When is succeed a more appropriate choice than follow?

Although the words succeed and follow 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

When can supervene be used instead of follow?

The words supervene and follow can be used in similar contexts, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples 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 follow Set against the backdrop of the War of the Roses, The Dreadful follows Anne (Turner) and her sinister mother-in-law Morwen (Harden), who live a solitary, harsh life on the outskirts of society. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 What follows is four minutes of footage that reflects the journey both Sade and Izaac have been on. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024 An exclusive new golf property has opened in the tony town of West Palm Beach following a multimillion dollar overhaul of its Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and a complete rebrand. —

Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 During the rapprochement between China and the United States in the 1970s (which followed the split between China and the Soviet Union), North Korea hosted Soviet naval ships in its ports and allowed Soviet fighter jets to enter North Korean airspace. —

Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for follow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow

Verb

The passing of the baton is official: British maestro Alexander Shelley will succeed Carl St.Clair as artistic and musical director of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

Samantha Dunn, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Israel might succeed at temporarily fragmenting the group, but Hezbollah will likely reconsolidate.

Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024