follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.
speeches followed the dinner
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
ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.
after the talk a general discussion ensued
supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.
unable to continue because of supervening circumstances
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe back and forth ads ensue as the sprint to the November election began in earnest after Labor Day in what’s expected to be by all measures one of the tightest Senate contests in the country. Natasha Korecki, NBC News, 6 Sep. 2022 When the three men arrive looking to meet their daughter, comedic shenanigans ensue. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2022 This hopefully brings us closer to reality and the real-world complications that might ensue. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2022 In a balanced market, Novak said typically negotiations would ensue and both the buyer and seller make a compromise on pricing and everybody walks away happy. Carrie Napoleon, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2022 Lacking a unified view that extends across these two groups, issues and full-fledged problems inevitably ensue. Sameer Malhotra, Forbes, 15 July 2022 Romance, hilarity and mystery soon ensue as Kat takes Amber on a wild ride through Italy — both literally and figuratively — and Amber is seen holding a copy of Gabriel García Márquez's 1996 book News of a Kidnapping. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, 12 July 2022 Snobbery and fittings ensue; along the way, Mrs. Harris befriends Dior model Natasha (Baptista) and André (Lucas Bravo), a dreamy yet bumbling accountant. Caitlin Brody, Glamour, 18 July 2022 When the conversation shifts to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, history suggests that verbal shanks will ensue. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 8 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French ensivre (3rd singular ensiut), from en- + sivre to follow — more at sue