No single following synonym covers all cases, since this word plays three grammar roles. As an adjective it means next or subsequent; as a preposition it means after; and in noun form it refers to loyal supporters or fans.
There is also the list introducer, as in "the following items are required", where below or these usually does the job. This guide splits the four uses, flags the formal options, and warns about one swap that can quietly change your meaning.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
next, subsequent, after, below, supportersPart of speech
Adjective, preposition and nounMost formal
subsequent, ensuing, subsequent toMost casual
next, after, fansAntonyms
previous, preceding, prior, earlierWatch out
As a result of adds cause. Following only says one thing came after another.Word forms covered
follow, followed, followers
Four jobs this word does
| Use | Swap with | Before | After |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next in time | next, subsequent | the following week | the next week |
| List or text below | below, these | the following points | the points below |
| After an event | after, once | following the flood | after the flood |
| Group of fans | fan base, supporters | a loyal following | a loyal fan base |
A following synonym for time: next to subsequent
The chip strip moves from speech to formal reports. Next is what people say aloud. After, placed behind the noun (the week after), is just as relaxed. Succeeding works for a run of periods: in succeeding months. Ensuing often describes something that grew out of an event: the ensuing argument. Subsequent is the standard pick in academic and legal writing.
Mind one small trap: the following morning is the very next one, while a later morning could be weeks away.
Introducing lists and steps
Work emails often open a list with "the following". It is clear, yet it can feel stiff when repeated. Try these instead:
- Please bring the following documents becomes please bring these documents.
- The following steps explain the setup becomes the steps below explain the setup.
- Results were as follows becomes results were plus a colon, or here are the results.
A manager drafts: "Please review the following. The following items are urgent." The fix: "Please review the notes below. Three items are urgent." Naming the number tells readers how much is coming.
Following as a preposition
In news and formal writing, following often replaces after: following the vote, following a long illness. After is shorter and almost always fine. In the wake of suggests consequences, often unwelcome ones. Subsequent to is very formal and can sound wordy. Since works when the effect still continues: since the merger, sales have risen.
For more sequence words, browse our linking words collection or the then synonyms page.
The noun: a large or loyal following
A creator, team or restaurant can have a following. Fan base and fans suit entertainment and sport. Supporters suits causes, candidates and clubs. Readership and audience fit writers and media. Devotees and adherents suggest deep loyalty, with adherents used for beliefs and movements.
- The bakery built a loyal following becomes the bakery built a loyal customer base.
- Her podcast has a huge following becomes her podcast has a huge audience.
Swaps that slip in extra meaning
As a result of and due to claim cause, so "following the price change, visits dropped" only reports timing, while "as a result of the price change, visits dropped" blames the change. Later loses the sense of right after. Upcoming looks forward from now, so "the upcoming chapter" sounds odd in a finished book. The verb forms live on the follow synonyms page.
Antonyms for following
For time, the opposites are previous, preceding, prior and earlier: the previous week, the preceding chapter. For lists, use above or the foregoing (very formal). For the preposition, before and prior to are the reverse. The noun has no neat antonym, though critics or detractors fill the role in some contexts.
Frequently asked questions
Following or subsequent in a research paper?
Subsequent sounds more academic, as in subsequent studies. Following is fine before day, week or year, and next is clearest of all.
How do I replace the following in an email list?
Use below, these, or name the number: the three points below. A colon after a short lead-in also works.
Does following mean the same as after?
As a preposition, yes. Following leans a touch formal and shows up a lot in news reports; after suits everyday writing.
Which noun swaps in for a loyal following?
Fan base, supporters, audience and readership all work. Pick by field: fans for music and sport, readers for writing, supporters for causes.
Previous or preceding: which antonym is best?
Previous is the most common opposite. Preceding sounds more formal and suits chapters, sections and pages.
Is ensuing a good replacement?
It works when the second event grows out of the first, such as the ensuing chaos. For a simple next day, ensuing sounds overdressed.