ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü How to pronounce ensue (audio)
en-
ensued; ensuing
Synonyms of ensuenext

transitive verb

: to strive to attain : pursue
I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing it—Rupert Brooke

intransitive verb

: to take place afterward or as a result
Choose the Right Synonym for ensue

follow, succeed, ensue, supervene mean to come after something or someone.

follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

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

ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples of ensue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But in the ensuing run-down, Sprague-Lott could not glove first baseman Ben McLaughlin's throw across the diamond and the error sent Heyman home with the tying run. —Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 27 Apr. 2024 In the ensuing weeks, Gamaly Hollis visited the Miami-Dade Police’s Hammocks division several times. —Camellia Burris, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensue 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ensue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ensivre (3rd singular ensiut), from en- + sivre to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ensue was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ensue

ensuant

ensue

ensuingly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ensue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensue. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

ensue

verb
en·​sue in-ˈsü How to pronounce ensue (audio)
ensued; ensuing
: to come at a later time or as a result : follow
ensuing effects

More from Merriam-Webster on ensue

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ensue

Nglish: Translation of ensue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ensue for Arabic Speakers

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