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
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.
The 2015-2016 Super El Niño, for example, didn’t drop near as much rain on California as its predecessor. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 This marks Hawley’s fourth consecutive overall deal across Lionsgate Television and predecessor eOne, which originally produced The Rookie alongside ABC Signature (now 20th Television). — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 But like its predecessor, Journey Forward does not have a dedicated, ongoing source of funding. — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Some models will come with the M5 Max chip, which Apple says will allow LLMs to run nearly four times faster than its predecessor. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 25 Aug. 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 Sep. 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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