as in next
being the one that comes immediately after another
the following morning, I found the cat was gone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in audience
a group of people showing intense devotion to a cause, person, or work (as a film)
that rock star attracts quite a following
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in succeeding
to come after in time
a wrap-up always follows the Super Bowl broadcast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pursuing
to go after or on the track of
let's follow the boys to their hiding place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obeying
to act according to the commands of
follow me, and you'll do OK
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in traversing
to make one's way through, across, or over
followed the path into the garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in noting
to take notice of and be guided by
don't follow his advice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in watching
to keep one's eyes on
stood on the platform and followed the departing train until it disappeared from sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 following
Kayla Grant, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Serena Williams and Meghan Markle's Friendship Timeline Lilibet appeared alongside Williams in a following post as the pair continued to play Candy Land while Meghan, dressed in a loose-fitting navy-blue top and pants, watched.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Kalil built a massive following on social media for comedic content and fan-girl interactions with celebrities on red carpets at award shows and events.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 May 2025
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for following
Adjective
Cassie appeared with her baby bump in a following close-up shot as Fine’s hands cradled her stomach.
—Kayla Grant, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Serena Williams and Meghan Markle's Friendship Timeline Lilibet appeared alongside Williams in a following post as the pair continued to play Candy Land while Meghan, dressed in a loose-fitting navy-blue top and pants, watched.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
But in a media world where the barriers to entry are more easily surmounted, people with a strong following or fan base can command a sliver all their own that may no longer go to the mainstream outlet for a fix.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Kalil built a massive following on social media for comedic content and fan-girl interactions with celebrities on red carpets at award shows and events.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
What To Know For years following the Great Recession, the country built much fewer homes than needed.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for following
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following
Adjective
-
William Hartnell - First Doctor The first Doctor Who, and the blueprint for the next 58 years, William Hartnell is the man that began it all.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
-
The military bloc will ask Germany next week to contribute an additional seven brigades—amounting to roughly 40,000 troops—to bolster the alliance's collective defense capabilities, Reuters reported, citing three sources familiar with the discussions.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
If found guilty in what has already been a sordid trial after just one week and amid rumors of his entourage angling for a pardon from Donald Trump, the 55-year-old Diddy likely faces life behind bars.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
-
Both Alcaraz and Sinner’s entourages flew out on the same plane to the next pit stop at Shanghai.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Jon Pertwee - Third Doctor Jon Pertwee introduced audiences to the Doctor in color TV, facing off against the Autons in his first serial.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
-
Pope Leo called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages in a May 28 general audience, following in the steps of his predecessor Pope Francis, who was both praised and criticized for using his position to advocate for ending the war in Gaza.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Deputies began a pursuit of the driver, and Harrison officers assisted by pinning the vehicle, Graddy said.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2025
-
In the pursuit of progress, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.—
ByDr. Marita Kinney,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Preposition
-
But a baseball team’s fortunes can change relatively quickly, and heading into the four-game series this week at Rate Field, the Tigers had the best record in baseball at 39-21, while the Sox were on pace to lose 113 games, after their record-setting 121-loss season of 2024.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
-
The result is the worst-case scenario for Tusk’s government, which was elected after eight toxic years in Polish politics but which has labored in recent months to deliver on its ambitious agenda.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
But battling isn’t the same as succeeding.—
Ben Standig,
The Athletic,
3 Jan. 2025
-
As job roles continue to shift, the professionals who can combine technical knowledge with creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability will be the ones driving change and succeeding in the future of work.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
1 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Nebraska is all in on pursuing Millard South tight end Isaac Jensen.—
Mitch Sherman,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
-
And fans deserve to know and understand the paths the Titans are pursuing in making these decisions.—
Nick Suss,
The Tennessean,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Guests can choose from 50 rooms and suites with residential-style features, such as full kitchens, washers and dryers, and dining and lounge areas.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
2 June 2025
-
Each suite of episodes hits Netflix on 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the release date.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Following.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share