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follow has 27 distinct synonyms spread across 18 of its 24 senses. Each sense below keeps its own list, because a synonym belongs to a meaning and not to a word: swapping one sense's substitute into another sense's sentence is how a thesaurus makes writing worse. Its one recorded opposite is precede.
Counts are distinct word forms across every sense. A synonym that appears under three senses is counted once here and shown three times below, under each sense it belongs to.
act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
“He complied with my instructions”
come after in time, as a result
“A terrible tsunami followed the earthquake”
be next
“Mary plays best, with John and Sue following”
imitate in behavior; take as a model
“Teenagers follow their friends in everything”
follow with the eyes or the mind
“Keep an eye on the baby, please!”
perform an accompaniment to
“The orchestra could barely follow the frequent pitch changes of the soprano”
accept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of
“Let's follow our great helmsman!”
adhere to or practice
“These people still follow the laws of their ancient religion”
grasp the meaning
“Can you follow her argument?”
1 of the 24 recorded senses carries no synonym, antonym or related term, so it is not shown above. Every sense, with its definition and examples, is on the full entry for follow.
Synonyms, antonyms and the broader and narrower relations for follow come from Princeton University’s WordNet. Full sources and licences.