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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The implication was that his predecessor Scott Stuber had overpaid for talent and too-ambitiously committed to a new Netflix movie release every week in 2022. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 Leikauf’s announcement followed months of criticism from his predecessor, John D’Agostini, who served three terms as sheriff before endorsing Leikauf in 2022. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The alternative is for today’s AI empires to attempt, as their Cold War predecessors did half a century ago, what Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev called peaceful coexistence and American statesmen preferred to call détente. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026 And for the smaller crowd that wants to turn up the pace, the Mach 7 is more snug but still more accommodating than its direct predecessor, so as to not fully give up the sense of control its shape delivers. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 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 27 Oct. 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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