SUPERVENE Synonyms: 11 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

supervene

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈvēn

Definition of supervene next

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

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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

Verb

The reality is that leading men dictate roles and others follow as needed.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
The Kings trailed 76-75 following a jumper by Tyler Bilodeau with 52 seconds to go.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of follow

Verb

Should Backhus continue to succeed, the decision about who stays will be made for them.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 29 June 2026
This is where the sorcerer’s book of spells resurfaces; James and Henry succeed in summoning a playful demon, Goomi (Trey Parker), a kind of Funko Pop!

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 June 2026

Definition of succeed

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supertaxes

supervene

supervened

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“Supervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supervene. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of supervene

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