followed the crowd
Went with everyone
To follow the crowd is to do what most others are doing, conforming rather than acting independently.
The phrase usually carries a note of criticism—suggesting someone lacks the courage or judgment to go their own way: I just followed the crowd and voted for the popular candidate.
It implies safety in numbers but also passive decision-making.
- herdGrazing animals together
- sheep mentalityUnthinking conformity to group
- conformityAdherence to norms
- peer pressureInfluence from one's equals
- keeping up with the JonesesStriving to match neighbors' lifestyle
bandwagon effect · indecisiveness · social norms · groupthink · jostle · societal expectations · toe the line · throng · compliance · risk aversion · shuffle · surge · obedience · footsteps · social influence · public opinion · cultural assimilation · safety in numbers
followed the crowddissented
Formally opposed prevailing opinion
did one's own thing · nonconformist · rebel · individualist · free thinker
followed the crowdtook the lead
set the pace · spearheaded · pioneered · took charge · trailblazer
followed the crowdbroke new ground
Achieved an original first
innovated · disrupted · originated · invented · pioneered
follow, followed, following, follows, follower, followers, crowd, crowds, crowded