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

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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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

This follows a successful season 18 which delivered double-digit growth over the previous season and set a new franchise premiere viewership record.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026
Two further extensions have since followed, the latest in January being an 18-month deal to take James to the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of follow

Verb

She was succeeded by Peevy, who previously worked as an athletics administrator at Kentucky and a media relations director for the Southeastern Conference.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Trump previously endorsed Graham Nordone’s bid to succeed her brother, the late Lindsey Graham, in the Senate.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of succeed

Verb

Zac Veen reached on a fielder's choice and moved to second when Jordan Beck walked before JT Brubaker replaced Sam Hentges with two out in the sixth.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Whitecaps midfielder Jeevan Badwal left with a concussion in the 18th minute and was replaced by Rayan Elloumi.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of replace

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supertaxes

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“Supervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supervene. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of supervene

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