predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər How to pronounce predecessor (audio) ˈprē- How to pronounce predecessor (audio)
ˌpre-də-ˈse-, 
ˌprē-
Synonyms of predecessor
1
: one that precedes
especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2
archaic : ancestor

Synonyms of predecessor

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Examples of predecessor in a Sentence

Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were. the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard
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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.
Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell, often held news conferences for about 45 minutes. — Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 For Bass, the program is evidence that her administration has made progress on an issue that befuddled her predecessors. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 Boise’s new airport director, the city’s highest-paying position, won’t be raking in quite as much money as her predecessor. — Idaho Statesman, 28 Oct. 2026 The main problem facing Healey is the same as that which confronted his predecessor Rachel Reeves, who was Chancellor after Labour returned to power in a landslide election victory — the country's debt mountain. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predecessor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of predecessor was in the 14th century

Rhymes for predecessor

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Browse Nearby Words

predecease
predecessor
predecide
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

predecessor

noun
pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər How to pronounce predecessor (audio) ˈprēd- How to pronounce predecessor (audio)
: one that precedes
especially : a person who has held a position or office before another
Etymology

Middle English predecessour "predecessor," from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor "one that goes before," from prae- "before, pre-," and decessor "retiring governor," from decedere "to depart," from de- "from" and cedere "to go, go away" — related to ancestor, concede

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