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
  • Amtrak warned riders to expect delays on the Northeast Corridor line Tuesday morning, following torrential downpours and flooding in the New York region overnight.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • London came in at number two, followed by Hong Kong, Monaco, and Zurich.
    — India Brown, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
Definition of follow
Verb
  • Xiaomi has succeeded, while Apple barely got off the ground.
    — Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Smith succeeds former Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, who departed for SMU in March after a simmering conflict with former head men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard came to a head during the Terrapins’ NCAA Tournament run last season.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Andrew Vorhees is the clear favorite to replace Patrick Mekari at left guard and Nate Wiggins will be a Day 1 starter at outside corner in place of Brandon Stephens.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • There are no long tubes, no extra pieces, and no filters to replace.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 8 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.

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