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
  • Earlier: The 2025 Cannes Film Festival lineup was revealed bright and early, starting at 5 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 10 for those following in the States.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • For me, style is more about observing people in different places, rather than just following online trends.
    — Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • But El Salvador’s crackdown on gang violence succeeded in large part because the country’s police had spent years carefully amassing legal evidence.
    — Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The endeavor succeeded and eventually became known as Shift4.
    — Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Brianna, Holly and Miguel will enter the Atlantic rotation for 2025 and beyond, while Jake will replace John in the Pacific rotation.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • DoorDash replaces Margaritaville as MLP’s title sponsor.
    — Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of replace

Browse Nearby Words

supertaxes
supervene
supervened
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supervene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supervene. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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