successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
Synonyms of successivenext
1
: following in order : following each other without interruption
their fourth successive victory
2
: characterized by or produced in succession
successively adverb
successiveness noun

Synonyms of successive

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Examples of successive in a Sentence

a trait found in successive generations made the honor roll for three successive school terms
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.
Israel and Hezbollah have fought in successive wars for more than four decades. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 His baptismal register does not name his father, but he was raised by two successive men. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 But each successive confrontation has brought the two nations closer to the nuclear threshold itself. — Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026 For a century, since successive Red Scares squelched socialism in this country, the left has been in a defensive crouch. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for successive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of successive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for successive

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Browse Nearby Words

succession state
successive
successivity
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Cite this Entry

“Successive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

successive

adjective
suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv How to pronounce successive (audio)
: following in order : following each other without interruption
failed in three successive tries
successively adverb
successiveness noun

Legal Definition

successive

adjective
suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to succession
successive rights
b
: created by succession
2
: following in order : following each other without interruption
successive bankruptcy filings
3
: of, relating to, or being a petition for habeas corpus that raises a claim already adjudicated
successively adverb
successiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on successive

Nglish: Translation of successive for Spanish Speakers

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