List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 168

SYNONYMS: follow, succeed, ensue, result.
These verbs mean to come after something or someone.

Follow, which has the widest application, can refer to coming after in time or order, as a consequence or result, or by the operation of logic: Night follows day. If you disregard the doctor's orders, a relapse will follow. Though he disapproves of violence, it doesn't follow that he won't defend himself.
To succeed is to come next after another in time or order, especially in planned order determined by considerations such as rank, inheritance, or election: The heir apparent succeeded to the throne.
Ensue applies to what follows something, usually as a consequence or by way of logical development: If a forest fire cannot be extinguished, devastation is sure to ensue.
Result implies that what follows is caused by what has preceded: Failure to pay income tax return can result in a fine.