following 1 of 4

Definition of followingnext
as in next
being the one that comes immediately after another the following morning, I found the cat was gone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

following

2 of 4

noun

1
as in entourage
a body of employees or servants who accompany and wait on a person a prince with a large following to do practically everything for him

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in audience
a group of people showing intense devotion to a cause, person, or work (as a film) that rock star attracts quite a following

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

following

3 of 4

preposition

as in after
subsequent to in time or order following the concert, there will be refreshments in the lobby

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

following

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verb

present participle of follow
1
as in succeeding
to come after in time a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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4
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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 following
Adjective
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 3 May 2026
Noun
Even for indie projects, Kharlamova said that her growing following has aided her visibility. Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 The show marks the first screen outing for the Lancaster Prep franchise, an eight-book series that has attracted a substantial following on BookTok. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 June 2026
Preposition
Campbell appeared emotional following Wednesday’s hearing. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 New York City's LaGuardia Airport reopened Monday following Sunday night's runway crash. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
After seven memorable seasons with the Blue Jays, the two-time All-Star made his first trip back to Rogers Centre while wearing New York Mets colors following his blockbuster offseason departure. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Use the following pro tips to help your ficus thrive for years to come. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for following
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following
Adjective
  • From the BoDo District’s Double Tap Pub to LIGA Boise on Capitol Boulevard, soccer fever was in the air as the United States won 2-0 to advance to the next round of the World Cup.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 July 2026
  • In the next 250 years, what books will get earn their place among the best literature America has to offer?
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Gabriella paid off most of his entourage to leave him and the band alone and is now basically his own private Joe Jackson, pressuring him to record nonstop.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • Calderón, a big, bald man wearing a gold chain and cross-shaped earrings, sat off to the side, amid an entourage of muscular assistants in polo shirts, poking at his phone.
    Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Those included a charmingly cluttered Bucket family home, a lush candyland with the smell of chocolate piped through the Royal Theater to complement the full-size mock chocolate river, and a glass elevator that flew above the audience.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • While the choreography was designed for a global TV audience, the underlying technology has broader industrial applications.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • During the pursuit, police said Johnson turned toward the Guard members with his weapon.
    Lucas Finton, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Furthermore, current jobs, even if not ideal, can fund these personal pursuits, fostering a positive outlook that ultimately aids career progression.
    Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Preposition
  • Ryan Lasko, a 24-year-old outfielder in the Athletics system, was injured during a game with Double-A Midland RockHounds after diving to catch a ball while playing center field.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • The commission said there were four reports of consumers seeking medical treatment after swallowing the metal bristles, and customers were advised to stop using the products and request a replacement nylon grill brush.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Its language about seeking opportunity rather than security, taking calculated risks, building, falling, succeeding, and refusing to trade dignity for dependence captured, almost perfectly, how my father thought about America.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Buc-ee's is succeeding in getting customers to stay in its stores longer, something Dolly's and Wally's are trying to emulate.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • While future modeling gigs are up in the air, the brothers said that their priority is pursuing music.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Rather than pursuing one clear objective, Mars has the strength, energy and mental capacity to entertain several ideas, conversations and conflicts simultaneously when transiting this Air sign.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • There is a consequence to not obeying the science of immunization.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • For years, Alabama had balked at obeying a series of orders, including from the Supreme Court itself, to insure that its Black voters have a voice in how they are governed.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Following.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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