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
  • Interestingly, McIlroy then opted not to speak to the media following all four rounds.
    — Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • That’s followed by a policy walkback and a consequent rebound in equities.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • To succeed and avoid harming your personal financial health, a clear structure and commitment to intentional financial actions are essential.
    — Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The first-to-thirds are big time, and just getting guys in position to succeed.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen is exiting the band, but the '70s rockers found a familiar face to replace him.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Teams deemed the valve needed to be replaced and the rocket needed to be rolled back from the pad to Boeing’s Vertical Integration Facility.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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