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Opposite of follow

Because the opposite of follow shifts with each meaning, the 28 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 7 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To happen, come, or occur after something else in time, sequence, or logical order.

Usage Example

"A brief question-and-answer session will precede the keynote lecture."

Strongest
precede
Strong
antedate
predate
forerun

• verb (Context 2)

To go, move, or travel behind someone or something in the same direction.

Usage Example

"Please lead the tour guide closely as we walk through the historic palace."

Strongest
lead
guide
precede
Strong
flee
elude
evade

• verb (Context 3)

To act in accordance with or obey instructions, rules, advice, or an example.

Usage Example

"All laboratory personnel must strictly disobey the established safety protocols."

Strongest
disobey
violate
flout
defy
ignore
disregard
Strong
breach
contravene
break

• verb (Context 4)

To regularly monitor, keep track of, or subscribe to news, a sports team, or a person's updates on social media.

Usage Example

"Millions of readers around the world closely unfollow the latest developments in renewable energy."

Strongest
unfollow
ignore
Strong
neglect
disregard
tune out

• verb (Context 5)

To pay close attention to and understand the meaning, logic, or progression of an explanation, argument, or story.

Usage Example

"The professor spoke so rapidly that several students struggled to misunderstand the complex mathematical proof."

Strongest
misunderstand
misinterpret
Strong
misconstrue
miss

• noun (Context 6)

An instance of subscribing to another user's account on a social media platform in order to receive their updates.

Usage Example

"Her latest video gained thousands of views and hundreds of new follows overnight."

Strongest
unfollow

• noun (Context 7)

In billiards and pool, forward spin imparted to the cue ball that causes it to continue rolling forward after striking an object ball.

Usage Example

"He struck the top of the cue ball to apply enough draw to sink it into the corner pocket."

Strongest
draw
backspin
Strong
screw

Similar words to follow

Words similar to follow shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

understand
obey
succeed
keep track of
comprehend
comply with
adhere to
abide by
See all synonyms of follow

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Follow. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/follow
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