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
  • Two more taxi services followed: Harlem and Deluxe.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • This trend also follows national data, where from 2000-2016, retention rates have been dropping.
    — Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 29 July 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • In choosing Khadija Walker to succeed Madigan, the county executive followed the law.
    — Charles E. Sydnor, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2025
  • The book, which took six years to complete, is specifically aimed at young women interested in the medical field, providing insight into the persistence required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Wiles replaces Marc Bridge-Wilkinson in the role, who left at the end of last season after 10 years at the club and took up an assistant manager position at League One’s Huddersfield Town.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The 50 Sub and 80 Sub are being replaced with a 64-inch beast and a 100-inch behemoth – both coming with a host of refinements designed to deliver impactful ultra-low rumble.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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