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 The film follows Las Vegas performer Shelley (Anderson) following the closure of the city’s last remaining floor show. —

Hannah Malach, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 The novel follows Violet Sorrengail, whose commanding mother denies her entry to the safe Scribe Quadrant and forces her into Basgiath War College, where students fight to become elite dragon riders. —

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 Hand-washing, covering your mouth during coughing, and following other basic hygiene measures can all help prevent the spread of whooping cough. —

Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Those two models were followed closely by two other BYD cars in the leaderboard for November. —

New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for follow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for follow

Verb

Helfman, who has been at the company for nearly two decades, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Nancy Walsh, president of Informa Markets North America.

Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 20 Dec. 2024
Or, if looking at the zodiac signs chronologically in the order of the calendar’s months (below), the sign of their second house succeeds their Rising sign to the right.

Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024