sequel

noun

se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl How to pronounce sequel (audio)
also -ˌkwel
Synonyms of sequelnext
1
: consequence, result
2
a
: subsequent development
b
: the next installment (as of a speech or story)
especially : a literary, cinematic, or televised work continuing the course of a story begun in a preceding one

Synonyms of sequel

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Examples of sequel in a Sentence

The new film is a sequel to the very successful comedy that came out five years ago. He is busy writing the book's sequel. There is an interesting sequel to my date with her that I'll share with you later.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The fright of theme drought had subsided for now, but as with any horror villain, there’s always the danger of a sequel. — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Luke Roberts and Justin Matthews, who penned the first film, also wrote the screenplay for the sequel. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026 The first book in the Letters of Enchantment Series arrived April 2023 followed by its sequel, Ruthless Vows, in December the same year. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 The movie was released in 1995, became a cult hit, and spawned sequels Next Friday, released in 2000, and Friday After Next, which came out in 2002. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sequel

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French sequele, from Latin sequela, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sequel was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sequel

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Browse Nearby Words

Sequani
sequel
sequela
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Cite this Entry

“Sequel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequel. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sequel

noun
se·​quel ˈsē-kwəl How to pronounce sequel (audio)
1
: an event that follows or comes afterward : result
2
: a book, motion picture, or television program that continues a story begun in a preceding one
Etymology

Middle English sequel, sequele "follower, series," from early French sequelle (same meaning), from Latin sequella, sequela "follower," from sequi "to follow" — related to consecutive, pursue, second entry 1, sequence

Medical Definition

sequel

noun
se·​quel
ˈsē-kwəl also -ˌkwel
: sequela
gangrene is … a sequel of wounds—Robert Chawner
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