Direct Opposites:
* Preceded: This means to come before something else in time or order.
* Led: This implies being at the front, guiding or directing.
* Ignored: This means to pay no attention to something.
Other Opposites Based on Context:
* Avoided: This means to stay away from something.
* Refused: This means to decline or deny something.
* Disobeyed: This means to go against someone's instructions.
* Escaped: This means to break free from something.
Examples:
* Instead of "followed the instructions", you could say "ignored the instructions".
* Instead of "followed the path", you could say "avoided the path".
* Instead of "followed the leader", you could say "led the group".
To give you a more precise opposite, please provide the context of how "followed" is being used.