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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Lenin despised its predecessor, municipal socialism, for much the same reason. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 But a more potent powertrain and a manual gearbox aren’t all that set the Venom F5-M apart from its predecessor. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 July 2026 The last few weeks have shown his governing style and a remarkable run of papal decision-making where Leo has set the agenda, rather than merely fulfill the appointments set by his predecessor. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 To match the online-review enthusiasm for its pizza-slinging predecessor, Boran Coffee will need to execute at a high level. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 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

See All Rhymes for predecessor

Browse Nearby Words

predecease
predecessor
predecide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predecessor. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on predecessor

Nglish: Translation of predecessor for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All