supervene

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈvēn How to pronounce supervene (audio)
Definition of supervenenext
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

Synonym Chooser

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
  1. follow
  2. succeed
  3. replace
Verb
  • In 2006, Steve Irwin died following an injury from a stingray incurred during the filming of an underwater documentary.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin is following behind his big sister Bindi, 26, who competed on season 21 of the show with Hough as her partner and won back in 2015.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • Durbin’s decision to leave kickstarts what is expected to be a competitive primary among Illinois Democrats who are looking to succeed him.
    — Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • For this transformation to succeed: • Healthcare organizations must invest in AI and interoperability solutions that reduce administrative burden and enhance clinical efficiency.
    — Trisha Swift, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Despite the best efforts of major technology companies to replace them with passkeys, the humble password remains with us.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Here, golden grasslands replace waterfalls and the horizon seems to stretch forever.
    — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of replace

Browse Nearby Words

supertaxes
supervene
supervened
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Cite this Entry

“Supervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supervene. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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