successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: one that follows

especially : one who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Examples of successor in a Sentence

The CEO's successor used to be the vice president here.

the successor to the throne

Recent Examples on the Web

He is seen by many as the successor to Jordan Pickford in England’s goal, and a new ‘keeper is a welcome sight at Elland Road after the struggles of Illan Meslier and then Lucas Perri. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Whenever Biya eventually leaves office, his successor will inherit a country also facing attacks by Boko Haram militants in the north and deep economic frustration among young people. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

His lone debate against Joe Biden, both his successor and predecessor, forced the Democratic incumbent from the race. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

After the supreme leader was killed in February, the Iranian regime posted banners of his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, around Tehran. — Max Butterworth, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English successour, from Anglo-French, from Latin successor, from succedere

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for successor

• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• processor
• professor
• repressor

Kids Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈses-ər 

: one that follows

especially : a person who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Legal Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: one that follows : one that succeeds another (as in a position, title, office, or estate)