SUCCEED Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'succeed' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of succeed are ensue , follow , and supervene . While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," 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

Q: When can 'ensue' be used instead of 'succeed'?

While in some cases nearly identical to succeed , ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development. // after the talk a general discussion ensued

Q: When could 'follow' be used to replace 'succeed'?

The words follow and succeed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence. // speeches followed the dinner

Q: When is 'supervene' a more appropriate choice than 'succeed'?

The synonyms supervene and succeed are sometimes interchangeable, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable. // unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

succeed

verb

sək-ˈsēd

Definition of succeed next

as in to go

to turn out as planned or desired the advertising campaign that finally succeeded used humor to sell the product

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to thrive

to reach a desired level of accomplishment if you want to succeed in show business, you have to feel comfortable in front of an audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to follow

to come after in time only the results on election day will tell who will succeed the current president

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word succeed different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of succeed are ensue, follow, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," 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

When can ensue be used instead of succeed?

While in some cases nearly identical to succeed, ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When could follow be used to replace succeed?

The words follow and succeed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When is supervene a more appropriate choice than succeed?

The synonyms supervene and succeed are sometimes interchangeable, but supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

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 succeed Executives from other teams see owner Jerry Jones as a showman unwilling to leave the spotlight, even if doing so might increase the chances for the team succeeding on the field at the highest levels. —

Mike Sando, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Confidence ‘crisis’ Observers were closely watching Friday’s data release—which will also include readings covering the final quarter of last year—for signs those measures succeeded in reviving activity. —

Beatrice Nolan, Fortune Asia, 17 Jan. 2025 This flexibility allows parents to craft the exact educational experience their child needs to succeed. —

Pam Tapley, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025 National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond. —

Liam Quinn, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for succeed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for succeed

Verb

TikTok appears to be back online in the U.S. after going dark in the late hours of Saturday ahead of the looming Jan. 19 ban.

— Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
And his route on two of them could be best described as, hey, just go find some space.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025